“And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.”
Context:Exodus 40 records the final instructions given to Moses regarding the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary where the Israelites would worship God during their journey through the wilderness. The previous chapters describe the detailed construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests.
Verse Analysis:“And thou shalt bring in the table”: The “table” mentioned here refers to the Table of Showbread, one of the significant pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle. It was made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, and stood on the north side of the Holy Place.
“And set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it”: The Table of Showbread was intended to hold twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves were replaced every Sabbath, and the old loaves were consumed by the priests. This command emphasizes the importance of maintaining the proper order and reverence for the sacred objects within the Tabernacle.
“And thou shalt bring in the candlestick”: The “candlestick” refers to the Golden Lampstand or Menorah. This seven-branched lampstand was made of pure gold and stood on the south side of the Holy Place, opposite the Table of Showbread.
“And light the lamps thereof”: The priests were responsible for tending the lamps of the Menorah, ensuring they burned continuously. The lampstand was a symbol of God’s light and presence, and its flames were to be kept burning at all times.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Order and Reverence:The command to “set in order the things” upon the Table of Showbread reminds us of the significance of order and reverence in our worship of God. As Christians, we should approach God with respect and humility, recognizing His holiness and setting our hearts and lives in order as we come before Him.
- Continual Light:The perpetual burning of the lamps on the Menorah symbolizes God’s enduring presence and guidance in our lives. It serves as a reminder that we are called to be the light of the world through our actions, reflecting God’s love and truth in all circumstances.
- The Bread of Presence:The twelve loaves on the Table of Showbread represent the twelve tribes of Israel. This reminds us of God’s provision and sustenance for His people. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35), signifying that He is the ultimate provision for our spiritual nourishment and sustenance.
- Priestly Responsibilities:The duties assigned to the priests in maintaining the Tabernacle teach us about the significance of our priesthood as believers. In 1 Peter 2:9, Christians are called “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.” We are to be responsible for maintaining our relationship with God and serving Him faithfully.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 40:4, we should strive to approach our worship with order and reverence, seeking God’s guidance through prayer and reading His Word. We should also remember to be a continual light in the world, representing Christ’s love and truth through our actions and interactions with others. Additionally, we should recognize God’s provision in our lives and gratefully partake in the spiritual nourishment found in Christ, the Bread of Life. Lastly, as part of the royal priesthood, we should faithfully carry out our responsibilities in serving God and ministering to others in His name.
