Exodus 40:19 kjv
And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Exodus 40:19 nkjv
And he spread out the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent on top of it, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 40:19 niv
Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as the LORD commanded him.
Exodus 40:19 esv
And he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Exodus 40:19 nlt
Then he spread the coverings over the Tabernacle framework and put on the protective layers, just as the LORD had commanded him.
Exodus 40 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 26:1 | "Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen..." | Tabernacle construction details |
| Ex 26:7 | "You shall also make curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle..." | Describes the "tent" layer |
| Ex 26:14 | "You shall make a covering for the tent of ram skins dyed red..." | Describes the outermost "covering" |
| Ex 39:32 | "Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished..." | Completion of Tabernacle construction |
| Ex 39:42 | "According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the people of Israel had done all the work." | Obedience in carrying out God's commands |
| Ex 40:16 | "Thus Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did." | Moses' personal obedience |
| Ex 40:21 | "...and he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle..." (Ex 40:19 is part of a sequence of similar statements of compliance). | Immediate context of meticulous assembly |
| Deut 12:32 | "Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to it nor take from it." | Principle of obedience to divine command |
| 1 Sam 15:22 | "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice..." | Importance of obedience to God's commands |
| John 1:14 | "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." | Christ "tabernacling" among us, God's presence |
| Heb 8:5 | "...who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle..." | Tabernacle as a shadow of heavenly realities |
| Heb 9:11 | "But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands..." | Christ as the ultimate, true tabernacle |
| Psa 76:2 | "In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His dwelling place in Zion." | God's dwelling place |
| Isa 57:15 | "For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit...'" | God's dwelling with the humble |
| 2 Cor 6:16 | "...For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will dwell in them And walk among them; I will be their God, And they shall be My people.'" | Believers as God's dwelling place |
| Rev 21:3 | "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them...'" | God's ultimate dwelling with humanity in New Jerusalem |
| Matt 5:18 | "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled." | Precision in divine instruction |
| 1 Pet 1:22 | "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth..." | The call to obedience |
| Eph 2:20 | "...having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone..." | Believers as a spiritual dwelling for God |
| Acts 7:44 | "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen." | Tabernacle built to God's pattern |
Exodus 40 verses
Exodus 40 19 Meaning
This verse details a specific stage in the erection of the Tabernacle, describing Moses placing two outer layers: the tent fabric and its final protective covering. It emphasizes the precise adherence to divine instruction, culminating the construction of God's earthly dwelling place among His people, fulfilling the blueprint given on Mount Sinai.
Exodus 40 19 Context
Exodus chapter 40 marks the completion of the Tabernacle's construction and its ceremonial erection, exactly one year after the Exodus from Egypt. Verses 1-15 detail God's specific instructions to Moses for the Tabernacle's assembly, consecration of its furnishings, and the anointing of Aaron and his sons. Moses faithfully executes each step, affirming repeatedly, "as the Lord commanded Moses" (verses 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). Verse 19, specifically, is part of this step-by-step narration of Moses' final actions in setting up the complex layers of the portable sanctuary. The historical context underscores the establishment of God's physical presence among the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness, providing a visible center for their worship and covenant relationship. This precise adherence to divine instruction sets a standard for Israelite worship, indicating God's high regard for exact obedience.
Exodus 40 19 Word analysis
- And he spread abroad (`וַיִּפְרֹשׂ` - `vayyiphros`): This verb `פָרַשׂ` (`paras`) means to spread out, stretch out, or extend. It indicates Moses physically unfurling and covering the structure. Its usage here signifies careful, deliberate action in meticulously covering the sacred space.
- the tent (`אֹהֶל` - `’ohel`): This term refers to the covering made of goats' hair, detailed in Ex 26:7. It was placed over the curtains of the Tabernacle (the `mishkan`). It served as a protective layer, visible from the outside.
- over the tabernacle (`עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן` - `’al-hammishkan`): `מִשְׁכָּן` (`mishkan`) means "dwelling place." This is the core structure of the Tabernacle itself, consisting of the gilded wooden frames covered by the finely embroidered linen curtains (Ex 26:1-6). The `’ohel` (goat's hair tent) was spread over this inner dwelling.
- and put (`וַיָּשֶׂם` - `vayyāśem`): This verb `שׂוּם` (`śûm`) means to put, set, or place. It indicates the next distinct layer being added.
- the covering of the tent (`מִכְסֵה הָאֹהֶל` - `mikseh hā’ohel`): `מִכְסֵה` (`mikseh`) means "covering" or "veil." This is the outermost, weatherproof layer of the Tabernacle, specifically described in Ex 26:14 as being made of ram skins dyed red and skins of `tahash` (often translated as badger, dugong, or seal skins). This layer provided robust protection against the elements in the wilderness.
- above upon it (`מִלְמַעְלָה עָלָיו` - `milma‘lâ ‘ālāyw`): This phrase explicitly indicates the placement of the `mikseh` over the previous `’ohel` layer, clarifying the layered structure from inner sanctity to outer protection.
- as the Lord commanded Moses (`כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה` - `ka’ăšer ṣiwwâ Yahweh ’et-Mōšeh`): This highly repetitive phrase (appearing eight times in Ex 40) is paramount. `צִוָּה` (`ṣiwwâ`) means "commanded," "ordered." It underscores the divine origin of the design and the perfect execution of every detail by Moses. It affirms obedience as central to Israel's covenant relationship and worship, ensuring that the Tabernacle was not of human devising but exactly according to God's blueprint, thereby qualifying it as a true dwelling place for His holiness. This highlights divine sovereignty and the human response of submission.
Words-group analysis
- "And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle": This phrase details the immediate protective layer, the goat hair curtains (`’ohel`), placed over the intricate linen-covered framework (`mishkan`). It demonstrates the layering principle of increasing sanctity and protection as one approaches the core holy of holies.
- "and put the covering of the tent above upon it": This describes the final, outermost layer (`mikseh`), specifically crafted for weatherproofing and durability. This completed the external appearance of the Tabernacle, making it ready for the divine presence. The deliberate placement of multiple, distinct layers illustrates God's comprehensive plan for His dwelling and its safeguarding.
- "as the Lord commanded Moses": This concluding phrase is a divine signature on human work. Its constant repetition across Exodus 39 and 40 is a powerful literary and theological device. It elevates the actions of Moses and the craftsmen from mere construction to sacred acts of precise obedience. It underscores that the Tabernacle's efficacy and sanctity derived solely from its exact conformity to God's revealed will. This phrase ensures that all glory goes to God as the initiator and perfect designer, and serves as a model for all spiritual service – faithful adherence to God's commands.
Exodus 40 19 Bonus section
The act of Moses himself performing these detailed tasks (as opposed to merely overseeing) signifies his unique role as God's mediator and demonstrates the reverence and humility required for the Tabernacle's erection. The successive layering, moving from the rich, spiritual internal coverings to the durable, earthly outer skins, metaphorically illustrates the protective divine covering extended to Israel, yet also setting apart God's presence from the common realm. This careful construction laid the groundwork for the glory of the Lord to fill the Tabernacle, validating the perfection of Moses' obedience and God's faithfulness to dwell among His people. The physical covering also hinted at the veiled access to God, foreshadowing the need for a mediator and ultimate atonement.
Exodus 40 19 Commentary
Exodus 40:19 meticulously details the careful placement of the outer coverings of the Tabernacle: first, the goat-hair tent (’ohel) over the main linen-draped tabernacle (mishkan), then the covering of skins (mikseh hā’ohel) over that. This stepwise assembly highlights the ordered and precise nature of God's instructions for His dwelling place. Each layer served a distinct purpose – from the innermost holiness to the outermost protection from elements – symbolizing the structured approach to God's presence. The repetitive phrase "as the Lord commanded Moses" is central, appearing throughout the final chapters of Exodus. It emphasizes absolute obedience as the foundation for the Tabernacle's construction and thus, for true worship. It points to a divine blueprint, executed without deviation, establishing a dwelling that God Himself could inhabit, culminating the theme of God desiring to dwell among His people.