Exodus 40

Exodus 40:1

The Table and Its Utensils

After the ark follows the making of the table for the bread of Presence. The bread is not mentioned here. This puts the emphasis on what the table represents. A table speaks of fellowship. Through the work of the Lord Jesus, fellowship is possible with God and with each other.

The table is as high as the ark. This teaches us that our fellowship is at the level of the Person and the work of Christ. Our fellowship as believers of the church consists of Him. Through Him and His work we are connected to each other. He is the characteristic of our fellowship. For we are called by God “to the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:23-30.

Exodus 40:2

The Table and Its Utensils

After the ark follows the making of the table for the bread of Presence. The bread is not mentioned here. This puts the emphasis on what the table represents. A table speaks of fellowship. Through the work of the Lord Jesus, fellowship is possible with God and with each other.

The table is as high as the ark. This teaches us that our fellowship is at the level of the Person and the work of Christ. Our fellowship as believers of the church consists of Him. Through Him and His work we are connected to each other. He is the characteristic of our fellowship. For we are called by God “to the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:23-30.

Exodus 40:3

The Table and Its Utensils

After the ark follows the making of the table for the bread of Presence. The bread is not mentioned here. This puts the emphasis on what the table represents. A table speaks of fellowship. Through the work of the Lord Jesus, fellowship is possible with God and with each other.

The table is as high as the ark. This teaches us that our fellowship is at the level of the Person and the work of Christ. Our fellowship as believers of the church consists of Him. Through Him and His work we are connected to each other. He is the characteristic of our fellowship. For we are called by God “to the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:23-30.

Exodus 40:4

The Table and Its Utensils

After the ark follows the making of the table for the bread of Presence. The bread is not mentioned here. This puts the emphasis on what the table represents. A table speaks of fellowship. Through the work of the Lord Jesus, fellowship is possible with God and with each other.

The table is as high as the ark. This teaches us that our fellowship is at the level of the Person and the work of Christ. Our fellowship as believers of the church consists of Him. Through Him and His work we are connected to each other. He is the characteristic of our fellowship. For we are called by God “to the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:23-30.

Exodus 40:5

The Golden Lampstand and Its Utensils

After the table that is made as the first object in the holy place, the lampstand is made. This indicates that our fellowship with God and Christ and with one another can only take place in the light: “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Just as cups are connected to the lampstand as fruit, so too is fruit connected to the walk in the light. Our walk in the light, “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8b), will produce the fruit of light: “For the fruit of Light [consists] in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:31-40.

Exodus 40:6

The Golden Lampstand and Its Utensils

After the table that is made as the first object in the holy place, the lampstand is made. This indicates that our fellowship with God and Christ and with one another can only take place in the light: “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Just as cups are connected to the lampstand as fruit, so too is fruit connected to the walk in the light. Our walk in the light, “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8b), will produce the fruit of light: “For the fruit of Light [consists] in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:31-40.

Exodus 40:7

The Golden Lampstand and Its Utensils

After the table that is made as the first object in the holy place, the lampstand is made. This indicates that our fellowship with God and Christ and with one another can only take place in the light: “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Just as cups are connected to the lampstand as fruit, so too is fruit connected to the walk in the light. Our walk in the light, “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8b), will produce the fruit of light: “For the fruit of Light [consists] in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:31-40.

Exodus 40:8

The Golden Lampstand and Its Utensils

After the table that is made as the first object in the holy place, the lampstand is made. This indicates that our fellowship with God and Christ and with one another can only take place in the light: “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Just as cups are connected to the lampstand as fruit, so too is fruit connected to the walk in the light. Our walk in the light, “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8b), will produce the fruit of light: “For the fruit of Light [consists] in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:31-40.

Exodus 40:9

The Golden Lampstand and Its Utensils

After the table that is made as the first object in the holy place, the lampstand is made. This indicates that our fellowship with God and Christ and with one another can only take place in the light: “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Just as cups are connected to the lampstand as fruit, so too is fruit connected to the walk in the light. Our walk in the light, “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8b), will produce the fruit of light: “For the fruit of Light [consists] in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:31-40.

Exodus 40:10

The Golden Lampstand and Its Utensils

After the table that is made as the first object in the holy place, the lampstand is made. This indicates that our fellowship with God and Christ and with one another can only take place in the light: “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Just as cups are connected to the lampstand as fruit, so too is fruit connected to the walk in the light. Our walk in the light, “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8b), will produce the fruit of light: “For the fruit of Light [consists] in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:31-40.

Exodus 40:11

The Golden Lampstand and Its Utensils

After the table that is made as the first object in the holy place, the lampstand is made. This indicates that our fellowship with God and Christ and with one another can only take place in the light: “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Just as cups are connected to the lampstand as fruit, so too is fruit connected to the walk in the light. Our walk in the light, “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8b), will produce the fruit of light: “For the fruit of Light [consists] in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:31-40.

Exodus 40:12

The Golden Lampstand and Its Utensils

After the table that is made as the first object in the holy place, the lampstand is made. This indicates that our fellowship with God and Christ and with one another can only take place in the light: “But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Just as cups are connected to the lampstand as fruit, so too is fruit connected to the walk in the light. Our walk in the light, “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8b), will produce the fruit of light: “For the fruit of Light [consists] in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9).

See also the comments on Exodus 25:31-40.

Exodus 40:13

The Golden Altar of Incense

The third object in the holy place is the golden altar of incense. It is remarkable that God’s Spirit leads the author of the letter to the Hebrews to say that this altar is in the holy of holies (Hebrews 9:3-4). This indicates that the actual function of this altar belongs to the holy of holies.

The altar represents worship. Aaron can enter the sanctuary surrounded by the incense of this altar, because otherwise he will die: “He shall put the incense on the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on [the ark of] the testimony, otherwise he will die” (Leviticus 16:13). For us it means that we can go into the inner sanctuary to worship the Father for Who He is and for Who His Son is through the soothing aroma of Who Christ is for God.

See also the comments on Exodus 30:1-10.

Exodus 40:14

The Golden Altar of Incense

The third object in the holy place is the golden altar of incense. It is remarkable that God’s Spirit leads the author of the letter to the Hebrews to say that this altar is in the holy of holies (Hebrews 9:3-4). This indicates that the actual function of this altar belongs to the holy of holies.

The altar represents worship. Aaron can enter the sanctuary surrounded by the incense of this altar, because otherwise he will die: “He shall put the incense on the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on [the ark of] the testimony, otherwise he will die” (Leviticus 16:13). For us it means that we can go into the inner sanctuary to worship the Father for Who He is and for Who His Son is through the soothing aroma of Who Christ is for God.

See also the comments on Exodus 30:1-10.

Exodus 40:15

The Golden Altar of Incense

The third object in the holy place is the golden altar of incense. It is remarkable that God’s Spirit leads the author of the letter to the Hebrews to say that this altar is in the holy of holies (Hebrews 9:3-4). This indicates that the actual function of this altar belongs to the holy of holies.

The altar represents worship. Aaron can enter the sanctuary surrounded by the incense of this altar, because otherwise he will die: “He shall put the incense on the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on [the ark of] the testimony, otherwise he will die” (Leviticus 16:13). For us it means that we can go into the inner sanctuary to worship the Father for Who He is and for Who His Son is through the soothing aroma of Who Christ is for God.

See also the comments on Exodus 30:1-10.

Exodus 40:16

The Golden Altar of Incense

The third object in the holy place is the golden altar of incense. It is remarkable that God’s Spirit leads the author of the letter to the Hebrews to say that this altar is in the holy of holies (Hebrews 9:3-4). This indicates that the actual function of this altar belongs to the holy of holies.

The altar represents worship. Aaron can enter the sanctuary surrounded by the incense of this altar, because otherwise he will die: “He shall put the incense on the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on [the ark of] the testimony, otherwise he will die” (Leviticus 16:13). For us it means that we can go into the inner sanctuary to worship the Father for Who He is and for Who His Son is through the soothing aroma of Who Christ is for God.

See also the comments on Exodus 30:1-10.

Exodus 40:17

The Anointing Oil and the Incense

To make the holy anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense of spices, special qualities are necessary, as are only present in a perfumer. In the perfumer we can see a picture of the Holy Spirit, Who is only able to give what is necessary to perform our service in the house of God, so that that service rises to God as a pure fragrant incense of spices.

The Lord Jesus is “anointed … with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38). Throughout His life He was led by the Holy Spirit and all the powerful deeds He did spread a pleasant fragrance. All this a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma (Ephesians 5:2).

See also the comments on Exodus 30:22-38.

Exodus 40:19

The Altar of Burnt Offering

After the actual building and the objects that go with it, the objects that are in front of the building are made. First the altar of burnt offering is made. To this altar are brought the sacrifices which the Israelite brings voluntarily to the LORD and also the sacrifices which he is obliged to bring in certain cases. The sacrificial service at this altar is discussed in detail in the next book, Leviticus.

This altar is the meeting place where God meets His people. The basis is the continual burnt offering that is offered upon it (Exodus 29:38-45). In the letter to the Hebrews it is made clear that this altar and the sacrifice upon it have been fulfilled in Christ. Whoever still clings to this literal altar today has no part in the Christian fellowship (Hebrews 13:10).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:1-8.

Exodus 40:20

The Altar of Burnt Offering

After the actual building and the objects that go with it, the objects that are in front of the building are made. First the altar of burnt offering is made. To this altar are brought the sacrifices which the Israelite brings voluntarily to the LORD and also the sacrifices which he is obliged to bring in certain cases. The sacrificial service at this altar is discussed in detail in the next book, Leviticus.

This altar is the meeting place where God meets His people. The basis is the continual burnt offering that is offered upon it (Exodus 29:38-45). In the letter to the Hebrews it is made clear that this altar and the sacrifice upon it have been fulfilled in Christ. Whoever still clings to this literal altar today has no part in the Christian fellowship (Hebrews 13:10).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:1-8.

Exodus 40:21

The Altar of Burnt Offering

After the actual building and the objects that go with it, the objects that are in front of the building are made. First the altar of burnt offering is made. To this altar are brought the sacrifices which the Israelite brings voluntarily to the LORD and also the sacrifices which he is obliged to bring in certain cases. The sacrificial service at this altar is discussed in detail in the next book, Leviticus.

This altar is the meeting place where God meets His people. The basis is the continual burnt offering that is offered upon it (Exodus 29:38-45). In the letter to the Hebrews it is made clear that this altar and the sacrifice upon it have been fulfilled in Christ. Whoever still clings to this literal altar today has no part in the Christian fellowship (Hebrews 13:10).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:1-8.

Exodus 40:22

The Altar of Burnt Offering

After the actual building and the objects that go with it, the objects that are in front of the building are made. First the altar of burnt offering is made. To this altar are brought the sacrifices which the Israelite brings voluntarily to the LORD and also the sacrifices which he is obliged to bring in certain cases. The sacrificial service at this altar is discussed in detail in the next book, Leviticus.

This altar is the meeting place where God meets His people. The basis is the continual burnt offering that is offered upon it (Exodus 29:38-45). In the letter to the Hebrews it is made clear that this altar and the sacrifice upon it have been fulfilled in Christ. Whoever still clings to this literal altar today has no part in the Christian fellowship (Hebrews 13:10).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:1-8.

Exodus 40:23

The Altar of Burnt Offering

After the actual building and the objects that go with it, the objects that are in front of the building are made. First the altar of burnt offering is made. To this altar are brought the sacrifices which the Israelite brings voluntarily to the LORD and also the sacrifices which he is obliged to bring in certain cases. The sacrificial service at this altar is discussed in detail in the next book, Leviticus.

This altar is the meeting place where God meets His people. The basis is the continual burnt offering that is offered upon it (Exodus 29:38-45). In the letter to the Hebrews it is made clear that this altar and the sacrifice upon it have been fulfilled in Christ. Whoever still clings to this literal altar today has no part in the Christian fellowship (Hebrews 13:10).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:1-8.

Exodus 40:24

The Altar of Burnt Offering

After the actual building and the objects that go with it, the objects that are in front of the building are made. First the altar of burnt offering is made. To this altar are brought the sacrifices which the Israelite brings voluntarily to the LORD and also the sacrifices which he is obliged to bring in certain cases. The sacrificial service at this altar is discussed in detail in the next book, Leviticus.

This altar is the meeting place where God meets His people. The basis is the continual burnt offering that is offered upon it (Exodus 29:38-45). In the letter to the Hebrews it is made clear that this altar and the sacrifice upon it have been fulfilled in Christ. Whoever still clings to this literal altar today has no part in the Christian fellowship (Hebrews 13:10).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:1-8.

Exodus 40:25

The Altar of Burnt Offering

After the actual building and the objects that go with it, the objects that are in front of the building are made. First the altar of burnt offering is made. To this altar are brought the sacrifices which the Israelite brings voluntarily to the LORD and also the sacrifices which he is obliged to bring in certain cases. The sacrificial service at this altar is discussed in detail in the next book, Leviticus.

This altar is the meeting place where God meets His people. The basis is the continual burnt offering that is offered upon it (Exodus 29:38-45). In the letter to the Hebrews it is made clear that this altar and the sacrifice upon it have been fulfilled in Christ. Whoever still clings to this literal altar today has no part in the Christian fellowship (Hebrews 13:10).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:1-8.

Exodus 40:26

The Bronze Laver

Here it is mentioned as a special feature that women gave the material for the laver in the form of their mirrors. The mirror, which they use to look at themselves and which caresses their pride, is handed in to make it the laver. It has cost them something to give up this important utensil. Someone only does so if she would get something better in return. And this is the case here.

The laver represents the Word of God. The Word is also compared with a mirror (James 1:23-25). The women’s mirror gives a complete image of who is looking into it, but is not a means to change what is wrong. The mirror of the Word of God also gives a complete image of who looks at himself in it, but it does give a means to change. Whoever sees himself as a sinner also reads how forgiveness and acceptance by God can take place.

Women on various occasions give an essential contribution to the work of God. They 1. serve the Lord with their goods (Luke 8:1-3); 2. sit at His feet (Luke 10:39); 3. anoint him (Luke 7:37-38; John 12:3); 4. are at the cross (John 19:25); 5. are at the tomb after His resurrection (Matthew 28:1-6); 6. see Him first after His resurrection (Matthew 28:7-9); 7. are His messengers (Matthew 28:10; John 20:16-18); 8. are the first to accept the gospel in Philippi (Acts 16:13-15); 9. form, with others, the core of the church (Acts 1:14).

See also the comments on Exodus 30:17-21.

Exodus 40:27

The Hangings and Their Pillars

The building and the objects in front of it are surrounded on the south side, the north side, the west side and part of the east side by linen hangings held up by pillars. From the east side means that it is the side “where the sun rises”. The sun rises nowhere else but in the east. Mentioning this in this way can only mean that the attention is focused on the rising sun.

That reminds us of the Lord Jesus. Zachariah, in his song of praise, speaks of Him as “the Sunrise from on high” (Luke 1:78). In the future “the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple” (Malachi 3:1) and “the sun of righteousness will rise” (Malachi 4:2).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:9-15,17-18.

Exodus 40:28

The Hangings and Their Pillars

The building and the objects in front of it are surrounded on the south side, the north side, the west side and part of the east side by linen hangings held up by pillars. From the east side means that it is the side “where the sun rises”. The sun rises nowhere else but in the east. Mentioning this in this way can only mean that the attention is focused on the rising sun.

That reminds us of the Lord Jesus. Zachariah, in his song of praise, speaks of Him as “the Sunrise from on high” (Luke 1:78). In the future “the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple” (Malachi 3:1) and “the sun of righteousness will rise” (Malachi 4:2).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:9-15,17-18.

Exodus 40:29

The Hangings and Their Pillars

The building and the objects in front of it are surrounded on the south side, the north side, the west side and part of the east side by linen hangings held up by pillars. From the east side means that it is the side “where the sun rises”. The sun rises nowhere else but in the east. Mentioning this in this way can only mean that the attention is focused on the rising sun.

That reminds us of the Lord Jesus. Zachariah, in his song of praise, speaks of Him as “the Sunrise from on high” (Luke 1:78). In the future “the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple” (Malachi 3:1) and “the sun of righteousness will rise” (Malachi 4:2).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:9-15,17-18.

Exodus 40:30

The Hangings and Their Pillars

The building and the objects in front of it are surrounded on the south side, the north side, the west side and part of the east side by linen hangings held up by pillars. From the east side means that it is the side “where the sun rises”. The sun rises nowhere else but in the east. Mentioning this in this way can only mean that the attention is focused on the rising sun.

That reminds us of the Lord Jesus. Zachariah, in his song of praise, speaks of Him as “the Sunrise from on high” (Luke 1:78). In the future “the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple” (Malachi 3:1) and “the sun of righteousness will rise” (Malachi 4:2).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:9-15,17-18.

Exodus 40:31

The Hangings and Their Pillars

The building and the objects in front of it are surrounded on the south side, the north side, the west side and part of the east side by linen hangings held up by pillars. From the east side means that it is the side “where the sun rises”. The sun rises nowhere else but in the east. Mentioning this in this way can only mean that the attention is focused on the rising sun.

That reminds us of the Lord Jesus. Zachariah, in his song of praise, speaks of Him as “the Sunrise from on high” (Luke 1:78). In the future “the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple” (Malachi 3:1) and “the sun of righteousness will rise” (Malachi 4:2).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:9-15,17-18.

Exodus 40:32

The Hangings and Their Pillars

The building and the objects in front of it are surrounded on the south side, the north side, the west side and part of the east side by linen hangings held up by pillars. From the east side means that it is the side “where the sun rises”. The sun rises nowhere else but in the east. Mentioning this in this way can only mean that the attention is focused on the rising sun.

That reminds us of the Lord Jesus. Zachariah, in his song of praise, speaks of Him as “the Sunrise from on high” (Luke 1:78). In the future “the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple” (Malachi 3:1) and “the sun of righteousness will rise” (Malachi 4:2).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:9-15,17-18.

Exodus 40:33

The Hangings and Their Pillars

The building and the objects in front of it are surrounded on the south side, the north side, the west side and part of the east side by linen hangings held up by pillars. From the east side means that it is the side “where the sun rises”. The sun rises nowhere else but in the east. Mentioning this in this way can only mean that the attention is focused on the rising sun.

That reminds us of the Lord Jesus. Zachariah, in his song of praise, speaks of Him as “the Sunrise from on high” (Luke 1:78). In the future “the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple” (Malachi 3:1) and “the sun of righteousness will rise” (Malachi 4:2).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:9-15,17-18.

Exodus 40:34

The Hangings and Their Pillars

The building and the objects in front of it are surrounded on the south side, the north side, the west side and part of the east side by linen hangings held up by pillars. From the east side means that it is the side “where the sun rises”. The sun rises nowhere else but in the east. Mentioning this in this way can only mean that the attention is focused on the rising sun.

That reminds us of the Lord Jesus. Zachariah, in his song of praise, speaks of Him as “the Sunrise from on high” (Luke 1:78). In the future “the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple” (Malachi 3:1) and “the sun of righteousness will rise” (Malachi 4:2).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:9-15,17-18.

Exodus 40:35

The Hangings and Their Pillars

The building and the objects in front of it are surrounded on the south side, the north side, the west side and part of the east side by linen hangings held up by pillars. From the east side means that it is the side “where the sun rises”. The sun rises nowhere else but in the east. Mentioning this in this way can only mean that the attention is focused on the rising sun.

That reminds us of the Lord Jesus. Zachariah, in his song of praise, speaks of Him as “the Sunrise from on high” (Luke 1:78). In the future “the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple” (Malachi 3:1) and “the sun of righteousness will rise” (Malachi 4:2).

See also the comments on Exodus 27:9-15,17-18.

Exodus 40:36

The Screen of the Gate

The remaining part of the hangings on the east side is different from the rest. It is a screen in the gate of the court and is colored. Only through this gate someone can enter.

See also the comments on Exodus 27:16.

Exodus 40:37

The Screen of the Gate

The remaining part of the hangings on the east side is different from the rest. It is a screen in the gate of the court and is colored. Only through this gate someone can enter.

See also the comments on Exodus 27:16.

Exodus 40:38

The Bronze Pegs

Pillars have their place in the tabernacle, but also tent pegs. Pillars are impressive, while tent pegs seem insignificant. However, both are needed. In the church are men like “James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars” (Galatians 2:9). However, there are also countless men and women whose names we do not know, but who are known to God. All are needed. Without pillars there can be no building; without pegs the pillars will not remain standing.

See also the comments on Exodus 27:19.