“And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, which comprises the first five books. Exodus narrates the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey to Mount Sinai, where God establishes a covenant with them and gives them the Law. In Exodus 40, the construction of the tabernacle, the portable dwelling place of God, is completed.
The Ark of the Covenant:The "ark" mentioned in this verse refers to the Ark of the Covenant. It was a sacred chest made of acacia wood and covered in gold. Inside the ark, the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments were kept, symbolising God’s covenant with His people. The Ark of the Covenant was a central and holy object within the tabernacle, signifying God’s presence among the Israelites.
The Tabernacle:The "tabernacle" was a tent-like structure that served as a portable sanctuary for worship during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. God gave detailed instructions for its construction and the making of its furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant. The tabernacle was divided into two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (also known as the Holy of Holies). The Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies, and the "vail" was a curtain separating this innermost sanctum from the rest of the tabernacle.
Obedience to God’s Commands:This verse highlights the obedience of Moses and the people of Israel in carrying out God’s instructions. They followed the precise commands given by God regarding the setup of the tabernacle, including the placement of the Ark and the covering of the testimony. Throughout the book of Exodus, we see that God was specific about how He wanted to be worshiped and how the tabernacle should be constructed, and the people were diligent in fulfilling these commands.
Symbolism and Spiritual Application:The Ark of the Covenant and the tabernacle hold significant spiritual meanings. The Ark symbolises God’s covenant and presence among His people. It reminds us of the importance of God’s Word (the Ten Commandments) in guiding our lives and the need to honour the covenant we have with Him. The tabernacle itself points to the reality that God desires to dwell among His people and have a close relationship with them.
As we reflect on Exodus 40:21, we can learn the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the significance of His presence in our lives. It encourages us to follow God’s instructions diligently and to seek His presence in our daily walk with Him. Just as God instructed Moses and the Israelites in setting up the tabernacle, He also guides and directs us today through His Word and the leading of His Holy Spirit. Let us honour God’s covenant, embrace His Word, and walk in obedience to His commands, knowing that He desires to dwell among us and have a meaningful relationship with each one of us.
