Exodus 39 40

Exodus 39:40 kjv

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,

Exodus 39:40 nkjv

the hangings of the court, its pillars and its sockets, the screen for the court gate, its cords, and its pegs; all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting;

Exodus 39:40 niv

the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard; the ropes and tent pegs for the courtyard; all the furnishings for the tabernacle, the tent of meeting;

Exodus 39:40 esv

the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, and its pegs; and all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting;

Exodus 39:40 nlt

the curtains for the walls of the courtyard;
the posts and their bases;
the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard;
the ropes and tent pegs;
all the furnishings to be used in worship at the Tabernacle;

Exodus 39 verses

Exodus 39 40 Meaning

Exodus 39:40 enumerates the completed components of the outer court and its gate, along with all the auxiliary articles and instruments necessary for the full function and service of the Tabernacle and the Tent of Meeting. This verse specifically lists the final outdoor elements that provided structure, boundary, and access to the sacred dwelling place of God. It signifies the culmination of the artisans' work in precisely following God's divine blueprint for the sacred precinct, ensuring everything was prepared for worship and divine encounter.

Exodus 39 40 Context

Exodus chapter 39 forms the concluding section of the construction narrative of the Tabernacle and its associated articles, which began in Exodus 35. Following detailed instructions for the inner sacred elements (Ark, altar, lampstand, priestly garments) in the preceding verses, Exodus 39:40 focuses on the final, external components of the Tabernacle complex: the court and all the various tools and materials necessary for the Tabernacle's continuous operation. This meticulous listing emphasizes that every single detail, from the grand structures to the smallest pegs, was precisely made "as the LORD commanded Moses." This chapter highlights the unwavering obedience of the craftsmen (Bezalel and Oholiab) and the Israelites in fulfilling God's exact architectural and ritual requirements for His dwelling place in their midst. Historically, it is set during Israel's journey in the wilderness, establishing the central place of worship and the presence of Yahweh amidst His wandering people, providing a stark contrast to the human-designed, often idol-centric, temples of surrounding pagan cultures. The emphasis is on divine prescription over human ingenuity, defining boundaries of holiness.

Exodus 39 40 Word analysis

• the hangings (Hebrew: qela'im - קְלָעִים): These were the woven curtains, likely of fine twined linen, that formed the wall enclosure of the outer court. Their purpose was to define the sacred boundary, separating the holy space where God dwelt from the common, unhallowed wilderness. This barrier visually marked off the area reserved for divine presence and legitimate worship.
• of the court (Hebrew: chatser - חָצֵר): Refers to the open-air enclosure surrounding the Tabernacle tent itself. This outer court served as the primary gathering area for the Israelites to bring their sacrifices and offer worship, although they could not enter the tent itself. It marked the first level of consecrated space, distinct from the common ground.
• its pillars (Hebrew: ammudeyha - עַמּוּדֶיהָ): These were upright posts, often made of wood and likely overlaid or capped with bronze, used to support the hangings of the court. They provided structural integrity and order to the sacred boundary, reflecting stability.
• and its bases (Hebrew: adaneyha - אֲדָנֶיהָ): These were sockets, typically made of bronze, into which the pillars were set. They provided a firm foundation and stability for the entire court structure, essential for its portability and frequent assembly/disassembly.
• and the screen (Hebrew: masakh - מָסָךְ): This was a more elaborately woven curtain, functioning as a veil or barrier for the gate. It visually distinct from the hangings, likely adorned with embroidery, indicating the formal entrance.
• for the gate (Hebrew: sha'ar - שַׁעַר): Refers to the specific opening or entranceway into the court. This was the sole point of access into the consecrated area, signifying controlled entry into God's presence, requiring proper approach and ritual.
• of the court: Reiterates that this gate belongs to the outer enclosure, marking the main access point.
• its cords (Hebrew: meytareyha - מֵיתָרֶיהָ): These were ropes or cables used to secure the various components of the Tabernacle and court structure. Essential for stability against wind and for holding the tent and court in place.
• and its tent pegs (Hebrew: yitedoteyha - יִתְדֹתֶיהָ): These were stakes, typically made of bronze, driven into the ground to anchor the cords and firmly secure the entire structure of the Tabernacle and its court. They ensured the stability and resilience of God's dwelling place.
• and all the utensils (Hebrew: keley - כְלֵי): This refers to all the implements, vessels, and various articles, both large and small, required for the ongoing operations and ceremonies within the Tabernacle. This included basins, shovels, censers, tongs, etc., for the altar service, cleaning, and maintenance.
• for the service (Hebrew: avodat - עֲבֹדַת): Implies the liturgical and practical duties performed by the priests and Levites. These utensils were specific to the sacred ministry, sacrifices, and rituals. It emphasizes the active, continuous worship.
• of the tabernacle (Hebrew: mishkan - מִשְׁכָּן): The "dwelling place," the sacred tent itself, comprising the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. This is the central sanctuary where God's presence was specifically manifested.
• for the tent of meeting (Hebrew: ohel mo'ed - אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד): The "tent of meeting" or "tent of appointed time." This synonym for the Tabernacle emphasizes its purpose as the place where God would meet with Moses and the Israelites. The complete phrase mishkan ohel mo'ed denotes the dwelling place of the appointed meeting.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the hangings of the court, its pillars and its bases": This group details the vertical boundaries and structural support of the entire outer sacred precinct. It establishes the foundational physical presence of the holy space, distinguishing it from the surrounding common land.
• "and the screen for the gate of the court": This highlights the point of controlled access. The "screen" is not merely an opening but a specifically designated and often ornate entrance, emphasizing the necessity of proper approach and the reverence required to enter God's presence.
• "its cords and its tent pegs": These are critical for the practical, portable nature of the Tabernacle. They speak of stability, security, and the ability to endure, essential for God's dwelling with a people in constant movement through the wilderness. These smaller items, though often overlooked, are just as vital as the grander components, signifying that no detail is too small for divine instruction.
• "and all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting": This comprehensive phrase signifies the readiness for functionality. It underscores that beyond the structure itself, every instrument for worship, sacrifice, and the day-to-day operations of divine service had been meticulously prepared. It refers to all necessary components, from the visible architectural elements to the unseen tools, all oriented towards facilitating a complete system of worship.

Exodus 39 40 Bonus section

The exhaustive listing of Tabernacle components, culminating in verses like Exodus 39:40, serves a polemical purpose against pagan religious practices. Unlike the often arbitrary or superstitious rituals and self-devised temples of other ancient Near Eastern cultures, Israel's Tabernacle was wholly constructed according to divine revelation, emphasizing that legitimate worship and access to God are on His terms, not human terms. The meticulousness reflects God’s holiness and the gravity of encountering Him. This narrative reinforces that obedience, even in the smallest details of construction and liturgy, is paramount in serving the Almighty God. The entire assembly, from the outermost fence to the inner sanctuary, represents a unified sacred ecosystem designed to facilitate relationship between a holy God and His chosen, covenant people. The repeated phrase, "as the LORD commanded Moses," acts as a divine validation for every part and every process, laying the groundwork for the structured worship and ceremonial law that would guide Israel's relationship with God for centuries.

Exodus 39 40 Commentary

Exodus 39:40 stands as a testament to the completeness of Israel’s obedience and the comprehensiveness of God’s design for the Tabernacle. It confirms that not only the grand central sanctuary, but even the ancillary elements of the outer court—its hangings, supportive pillars, solid bases, controlled entrance screen, and securing cords and pegs—were fully prepared. The phrase "all the utensils for the service" underscores the practicality of the divine plan, encompassing every implement required for ongoing worship and maintenance within the Tabernacle and the Tent of Meeting.

This verse’s significance lies in its meticulous attention to detail. Every component, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, was crucial for the overall function and structural integrity of God's portable sanctuary. It reflects God’s desire for order, purity, and proper approach in worship. This completeness mirrors the completeness of Christ's work, where no aspect of salvation is left undone. The Tabernacle, as depicted here, points to the reality of God's intention to dwell intimately among His people, but always within boundaries and through divinely ordained means. It teaches that true worship is not chaotic but structured, demanding precision, reverence, and wholehearted adherence to God's revealed will, anticipating the perfect fulfillment of these themes in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Tabernacle where God tabernacled among humanity (John 1:14).