Exodus 40:19

And he spread abroad the tent ouer the Tabernacle, and put the couering of the Tent aboue vpon it, as the Lord commanded Moses. Exodus 40:19 (KJV)

Context: To understand the significance of this verse, we need to look at the broader context. In the preceding chapters of Exodus, God gives Moses detailed instructions on how to construct the Tabernacle, including its furnishings, materials, and dimensions. Exodus 40 describes the final assembly of the Tabernacle, marking the completion of this sacred structure.

Obedience to God’s Command: The verse emphasises Moses’ obedience to the LORD’s instructions. Throughout the construction process, Moses followed every detail precisely as God had commanded him. This demonstrates the importance of obedience in carrying out God’s plans and purposes. The Tabernacle was not a mere human invention; it was divinely ordained and designed, and Moses faithfully executed God’s instructions.

Symbolism: The Tabernacle served as a symbol of God’s dwelling among His people. The “tent” referred to in the verse was the outer covering of the Tabernacle, and the “covering of the tent” was the uppermost layer of protection, often interpreted as the outermost textile covering. It is also likely the inner veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This setup symbolised the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Hebrews 9:7).

Jesus as the Fulfillment: The Tabernacle and its elements foreshadowed the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, we learn that Jesus is the true fulfilment of the Tabernacle’s symbolism. Jesus became the ultimate High Priest, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Through His death and resurrection, the barrier between God and humanity was removed, and believers now have direct access to God (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Application: As believers, we can draw valuable lessons from this verse. Just as Moses diligently followed God’s instructions in building the Tabernacle, we are called to be obedient to God’s Word in our lives. Obedience is an essential aspect of our relationship with God, and it shows our love for Him (John 14:15). Additionally, the Tabernacle’s symbolism points us to the significance of Jesus Christ in our lives. He is the One who brings reconciliation between us and God, providing forgiveness and eternal life. As we seek to grow in our faith, we can be assured that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and through Him, we can find true communion with God.