“And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch (the first five books), traditionally believed to be written by Moses. Exodus recounts the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to their liberation and establishment as a nation under the covenant with God. This verse takes place near the end of the book when Moses is instructed by God to set up the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for worship and sacrifices.
Obedience to God’s Commands:The verse emphasizes the obedience of Moses to God’s instructions. Throughout the book of Exodus, Moses consistently obeys the Lord’s commands, which plays a crucial role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and shaping their relationship with God. We can learn from Moses’ example and understand that obedience to God is essential in our own lives. When we follow God’s commands, we align ourselves with His will and experience His blessings.
The Significance of Incense:In this verse, Moses burns sweet incense as the Lord commanded. Incense in the Bible often symbolises prayers and worship rising up to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8). The sweet aroma represents the pleasing nature of true worship offered to God from sincere hearts. As Christians, our prayers, praises, and worship are essential aspects of our relationship with God. Just as the incense was carefully prepared and offered in the Tabernacle, we should approach God with reverence and sincerity in our worship.
The Tabernacle as a Foreshadowing:The Tabernacle itself holds great significance in the Bible as it serves as a foreshadowing of Christ and the coming of the New Covenant. The Tabernacle system with its priesthood, sacrifices, and offerings pointed towards the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, who became the High Priest and the perfect Lamb of God. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we now have direct access to God, and the need for the Tabernacle and its rituals has been fulfilled in Him.
God’s Presence Among His People:The construction and dedication of the Tabernacle marked the moment when God’s presence dwelt among His people. The cloud of God’s glory filled the Tabernacle, indicating His presence and approval. This teaches us that God desires to be with His people and longs for a relationship with us. In the New Testament, we see this fulfilled in an even greater way through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers (1 Corinthians 6:19). As Christians, we are now the dwelling place of God, and He lives within us.
Conclusion:Exodus 40:27 serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands, the significance of genuine worship, and the realization of God’s presence among His people. As we study this verse, let’s strive to be obedient to God, offer our worship with sincerity and reverence, and embrace the reality of God’s presence in our lives through the indwelling Holy Spirit. May we continually seek to deepen our relationship with Him and live in accordance with His will.
