How does Exodus 39:43 demonstrate Moses' leadership in ensuring God's commands were followed? Setting the Scene Exodus 35–40 details the construction of the tabernacle. God gave precise blueprints (Exodus 25:9, 40), and the craftsmen—Bezalel, Oholiab, and “every skilled person” (Exodus 36:1)—worked under Moses’ supervision. Verse 43 comes after every component has been fashioned. Exodus 39:43 “And Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.” Key Actions by Moses in Exodus 39:43 • Inspected the work • Measured it “just as the LORD had commanded” • Responded with a blessing What This Reveals About Moses’ Leadership • Faithful stewardship – Moses viewed the tabernacle as God’s project, not his own (Exodus 40:16). – He acted as God’s steward, ensuring divine instructions were honored (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Attention to detail – No shortcut or personal improvisation was tolerated (compare Exodus 25:40). – His thorough inspection guarded doctrinal purity and preserved holy symbolism later fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 8:5). • Accountability and transparency – The entire community witnessed that obedience, not human creativity, was the standard. – By publicly validating the work, Moses set an example of accountable leadership (Numbers 3:38). • Delegation with verification – He empowered artisans yet retained responsibility for final quality control. – Leadership is not abdication; it is trust paired with oversight (Exodus 31:1-6). • Blessing as affirmation – Once obedience was confirmed, Moses blessed the workers, linking divine approval with human effort (Hebrews 3:5). – His blessing encouraged continued faithfulness and underscored that God’s presence rests on obedience. Implications for Today’s Believers • God’s commands remain the non-negotiable blueprint for worship and service. • Leaders must balance delegation with diligent oversight. • Public acknowledgment of faithful obedience strengthens community morale. • True spiritual authority culminates in blessing, not control. |