Exodus 40 16

Exodus 40:16 kjv

Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

Exodus 40:16 nkjv

Thus Moses did; according to all that the LORD had commanded him, so he did.

Exodus 40:16 niv

Moses did everything just as the LORD commanded him.

Exodus 40:16 esv

This Moses did; according to all that the LORD commanded him, so he did.

Exodus 40:16 nlt

Moses proceeded to do everything just as the LORD had commanded him.

Exodus 40 verses

Exodus 40 16 Meaning

This verse states that Moses acted precisely in accordance with all the commands the Lord gave him. It signifies Moses' meticulous obedience in erecting and arranging the Tabernacle and its furnishings, highlighting the complete fulfillment of divine instructions without deviation or omission. This perfect execution was essential for the Tabernacle to serve its purpose as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

Exodus 40 16 Context

Exodus chapter 40 marks the culmination of the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle and its various components, as detailed from Exodus chapter 25 onward. After receiving extensive divine instructions on Mount Sinai, the Israelites, led by Moses, finally brought these plans to fruition. The chapter describes the erection and furnishing of the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month in the second year after their departure from Egypt. This verse, Exodus 40:16, functions as a summary statement and recurring theme throughout these construction accounts, asserting that Moses flawlessly carried out every specific directive from God regarding the Tabernacle's setup. This perfect adherence was vital, preparing the Tabernacle for its divine inauguration as the dwelling place for the glory of the Lord (Ex 40:34). The historical context places Israel in the wilderness, establishing their covenant relationship with God, where the Tabernacle would serve as the central point of their worship and God's manifest presence among them.

Exodus 40 16 Word analysis

• Thus (כֵּן - ken): This adverb signifies "in this manner," "so," or "just as." It emphasizes the exact conformity and precise alignment of Moses' actions with what was previously stipulated. It conveys an immediate correspondence between command and execution.

• did (עָשָׂה - 'asah): A versatile Hebrew verb meaning "made," "did," "performed," "accomplished," or "executed." In this context, it underscores Moses' active performance and accomplishment of the task, moving beyond mere contemplation or planning to concrete action. It implies a complete and thorough performance.

• Moses (מֹשֶׁה - Mosheh): The central human figure and God's chosen leader for Israel during the Exodus. His name means "drawn out," referring to his rescue from the Nile. Moses serves here not only as a leader but as the primary human agent directly responsible for receiving and faithfully implementing God's commands regarding the Tabernacle. His consistent obedience is a key motif in the Pentateuch.

• according to all that (כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר - ke-khol 'asher): This phrase stresses comprehensiveness and totality. "כְּ" (ke) means "according to" or "as," and "כֹּל" (khol) means "all," "every," or "whole." The implication is that not a single detail, instruction, or specification was overlooked or altered. It underlines the absolute and exhaustive nature of Moses' obedience to God's precise blueprint.

• the Lord (יהוה - YHWH): This is the covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent and ever-present nature, particularly in His relationship with Israel. Its presence here reinforces that the commands originated from the ultimate divine authority, underscoring the seriousness and sanctity of the instructions and the corresponding requirement for complete submission and adherence. This stands in contrast to chaotic pagan rituals or human-invented forms of worship, asserting God's sole right to prescribe worship.

• commanded (צִוָּה - tzivah): This verb means "to command," "to appoint," or "to give a charge." It conveys a strong, authoritative directive, not a suggestion or a request. The source of the instruction is divine and carries ultimate authority, making obedience not optional but an imperative for Moses and, by extension, for the community of Israel.

• him (אֹתוֹ - 'oto): Refers directly to Moses, specifying that the commands were individually given to him.

• so he did (כֵּן עָשָׂה - ken 'asah): This is a deliberate repetition of the initial "Thus did." The reiteration powerfully emphasizes the consistent and perfect execution of God's commands. It serves as a concluding affirmation, leaving no doubt about the absolute faithfulness of Moses. The identical phrasing creates a literary inclusio, powerfully bookending the assertion of Moses' complete and unwavering obedience.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Thus did Moses: according to all that the Lord commanded him": This initial clause sets forth Moses' actions as being in exact alignment with God's comprehensive instructions. It establishes the divine origin and specific nature of the requirements.
  • "so he did": This concluding clause confirms and powerfully reiterates Moses' perfect execution of the commands. The repetition creates a rhetorical force, underscoring the absolute faithfulness of Moses and the completed, accurate performance of the work. This structure serves to reinforce the central message: every detail, without exception, was carried out precisely as commanded by God. It validates the divine approval of the completed Tabernacle.

Exodus 40 16 Bonus section

The recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" or variations thereof appears frequently throughout the instructions and execution of the Tabernacle's construction (e.g., Ex 35:29; 36:1, 5; 38:22, 23; 39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42, 43; 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). This heavy repetition is not a stylistic flaw but a deliberate literary device. It profoundly underscores the absolute importance of God's revealed will and the necessity of exact conformity. It demonstrates that the entire project was God-ordained and God-directed, leaving no room for human improvisation or innovation in matters of divine worship and relationship. This served as a stark contrast to pagan religions where human creativity often defined rituals and altars, reinforcing the uniqueness of Israel's relationship with YHWH, where everything originated from Him. The consistency of Moses' and Israel's obedience laid the groundwork for the Shekinah glory to dwell, emphasizing that God's presence is tied to His people's submission to His precise instructions.

Exodus 40 16 Commentary

Exodus 40:16, while seemingly a simple statement of fact, holds profound theological significance. It summarizes Moses' diligent and unwavering obedience in executing the precise blueprint for the Tabernacle given by the Lord. This verse serves as a culmination of the repeated affirmation found throughout Exodus 39 and 40 that "as the Lord commanded Moses, so they did." This meticulous adherence was not merely a display of faithfulness but a prerequisite for the Tabernacle to become God's earthly dwelling place among His people (Ex 40:34-38). The emphasis on "all that the Lord commanded" signifies that God demands complete, not partial, obedience, down to every minute detail of His holy instructions. This exactitude was crucial because the Tabernacle, in all its components and functions, was a shadow and copy of heavenly realities (Heb 8:5), teaching deep truths about God's holiness, His desire for communion, and the means of atonement. Moses' obedience here set the standard for priestly and community life in Israel, foreshadowing Christ's perfect obedience, who came "to do your will, O God" (Heb 10:7) and perfectly fulfilled all the Father's commands, ultimately accomplishing redemption. This verse underscores that true worship and effective service flow from precise submission to divine will.