“And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the veil.”
Context:The book of Exodus recounts the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to their establishment as a nation under the leadership of Moses. In this chapter, God gives specific instructions to Moses on setting up the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, where God’s presence would dwell among His people.
Key Points and Lessons from Exodus 40:22:
- The Tabernacle:The verse mentions the “table,” which was one of the articles used inside the Tabernacle. The Table of Showbread was a significant piece of furniture where twelve loaves of bread were placed, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. It was a symbol of God’s provision for His people.
- Lesson: The Tabernacle, with its various articles and rituals, foreshadows the spiritual truths and the coming of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus referred to Himself as the “Bread of Life,” further connecting this symbolism (John 6:35).
- Tent of Meeting:The “tent of the congregation” or “tent of meeting” was the central structure of the Tabernacle. It was where the priests and the people would come to worship and seek God’s guidance. The Tabernacle served as a meeting place between God and His people, and it emphasized the importance of reverence and holiness in approaching God.
- Lesson: Today, believers do not need a physical structure like the Tabernacle to meet with God. Through Jesus Christ, believers have direct access to God’s presence through prayer and the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 10:19-22).
- Geographical Placement:The table was positioned on the northern side of the Tabernacle, outside the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies). The Tabernacle’s layout was very specific, and each article had its designated place.
- Lesson: God is a God of order and precision. The specific instructions given for the construction and placement of the Tabernacle teach us the importance of obedience and attention to detail when serving God. As followers of Christ, we are called to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
- Symbolism of the Veil:The veil was a thick curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. It signified the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The veil was later torn in two from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, signifying the access granted to God through Christ’s sacrifice (Matthew 27:51).
- Lesson: Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the barrier between God and humanity was removed, and believers now have direct access to God. We can approach Him boldly and confidently, knowing that Jesus is our High Priest who intercedes for us (Hebrews 4:14-16).
In summary, Exodus 40:22 gives us a glimpse of the elaborate Tabernacle set up by Moses according to God’s instructions. This passage teaches us about God’s provision, the significance of worship, the importance of obedience, and the access to God provided through Jesus Christ. It also points forward to the fulfillment of these symbols in the person and work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
