Exodus 40

Ex 40:1-38.

THE

TABERNACLE

REARED AND

ANOINTED.

2. On the first day of the first month--From a careful

consideration of the incidents recorded to have happened after the

exodus

(Ex 12:2; 13:4; 19:1; 20:18; 34:28,

&c.), it has been computed that the work of the tabernacle was

commenced within six months after that emigration; and consequently,

that other six months had been occupied in building it. So long a

period spent in preparing the materials of a movable pavilion, it would

be difficult to understand, were it not for what we are told of the

vast dimensions of the tabernacle, as well as the immense variety of

curious and elaborate workmanship which its different articles of

furniture required.

the tabernacle--the entire edifice.

the tent--the covering that surmounted it

(Ex 40:19).

15. anoint them, as thou didst anoint their fathers--The sacred

oil was used, but it does not appear that the ceremony was performed

exactly in the same manner; for although the anointing oil was

sprinkled over the garments both of Aaron and his sons

(Ex 29:21;

Le 8:30),

it was not poured over the heads of the latter. This distinction was

reserved for the high priest

(Ex 29:7;

Le 8:12;

Ps 133:2).

16. Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded

him--On his part, the same scrupulous fidelity was shown in

conforming to the "pattern" in the disposition of the furniture, as had

been displayed by the workmen in the erection of the edifice.

33. So Moses finished the work--Though it is not expressly

recorded in this passage, yet, from what took place on all similar

occasions, there is reason to believe that on the inauguration day the

people were summoned from their tents--were all drawn up as a vast

assemblage, yet in calm and orderly arrangement, around the newly

erected tabernacle.

34. a cloud--literally, "The cloud," the mystic cloud

which was the well-known symbol of the Divine Presence. After remaining

at a great distance from them on the summit of the mount, it appeared

to be in motion; and if many among them had a secret misgiving about

the issue, how the fainting heart would revive, the interest of the

moment intensely increase, and the tide of joy swell in every bosom,

when that symbolic cloud was seen slowly and majestically descending

towards the plain below and covering the tabernacle. The entire and

universal concealment of the tabernacle within the folds of an

impervious cloud was not without a deep and instructive meaning; it was

a protection to the sacred edifice from the burning heats of the

Arabian climate; it was a token of the Divine Presence; and it was also

an emblem of the Mosaic dispensation, which, though it was a revelation

from heaven, yet left many things hid in obscurity; for it was a dark

cloud compared with the bright cloud, which betokened the clearer and

fuller discoveries of the divine character and glory in the gospel

(Mt 17:5).

the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle--that is, light and

fire, a created splendor, which was the peculiar symbol of God

(1Jo 1:5).

Whether this light was inherent in the cloud or not, it emanated from

it on this occasion, and making its entry, not with the speed of a

lightning flash as if it were merely an electric spark, but in majestic

splendor, it passed through the outer porch into the interior of the

most holy place

(1Ki 8:10;

Joh 1:14).

Its miraculous character is shown by the fact, that, though "it filled

the tabernacle," not a curtain or any article of furniture was so much

as singed.

35. Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the

congregation--How does this circumstance show the incapacity of

man, in his present state, to look upon the unveiled perfections of the

Godhead! Moses could not endure the unclouded effulgence, nor the

sublimest of the prophets

(Isa 6:5).

But what neither Moses nor the most eminent of God's messengers to the

ancient church through the weakness of nature could endure, we can all

now do by an exercise of faith; looking unto Jesus, who reflected with

chastened radiance the brightness of the Father's glory; and who,

having as the Forerunner for us, entered within the veil, has invited

us to come boldly to the mercy seat. While Moses was compelled, through

the influence of overwhelming awe, to stand aloof and could not enter

the tabernacle, Christ entered into the holy place not made with hands;

nay, He is Himself the true tabernacle, filled with the glory of God,

ever with the grace and truth which the Shekinah typified. What great

reason we have to thank God for Jesus Christ, who, while He Himself was

the brightness of the Father's glory, yet exhibited that glory in so

mild and attractive a manner, as to allure us to draw near with

confidence and love into the Divine Presence!

36. when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle--In

journeying through the sandy, trackless deserts of the East, the use of

torches, exhibiting a cloud of smoke by day and of fire by night, has

been resorted to from time immemorial. The armies of Darius and

Alexander were conducted on their marches in this manner [FABER]. The Arab caravans in the present day observe the

same custom; and materials for these torches are stored up among other

necessary preparations for a journey. Live fuel, hoisted in chafing

dishes at the end of long poles, and being seen at a great distance,

serves, by the smoke in the daytime and the light at night, as a better

signal for march than the sound of a trumpet, which is not heard at the

extremities of a large camp [LABORDE]. This

usage, and the miracle related by Moses, mutually illustrate each

other. The usage leads us to think that the miracle was necessary, and

worthy of God to perform; and, on the other hand, the miracle of the

cloudy pillar, affording double benefit of shade by day and light at

night, implies not only that the usage was not unknown to the Hebrews,

but supplied all the wants which they felt in common with other

travellers through those dreary regions [FABER,

HESS, GRANDPIERRE]. But its

peculiar appearance, unvarying character, and regular movements,

distinguished it from all the common atmospheric phenomena. It was an

invaluable boon to the Israelites, and being recognized by all classes

among that people as the symbol of the Divine Presence, it guided their

journeys and regulated their encampments (compare

Ps 29:1-11; 105:1-45).

38. the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle, &c.--While it

had hitherto appeared sometimes in one place, sometimes in another, it

was now found on the tabernacle only; so that from the moment that

sanctuary was erected, and the glory of the Lord had filled the sacred

edifice, the Israelites had to look to the place which God had chosen

to put His name there, in order that they might enjoy the benefit of a

heavenly Guide

(Nu 9:15-23).

In like manner, the church had divine revelation for its guide from the

first--long before the WORD of God existed in a

written form; but ever since the setting up of that sacred canon, it

rests on that as its tabernacle and there only is it to be found. It

accompanies us wherever we are or go, just as the cloud led the way of

the Israelites. It is always accessible and can be carried in our

pockets when we walk abroad; it may be engraved on the inner tablets of

our memories and our hearts; and so true, faithful, and complete a

guide is it, that there is not a scene of duty or of trial through

which we may be called to pass in the world, but it furnishes a clear,

a safe, and unerring direction

(Col 3:16).

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