How does Exodus 40:22 connect to the broader theme of obedience in Exodus?

◄ Exodus 40:22's link to obedience theme? ►

The Text in Focus

“Then he put the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.” (Exodus 40:22)

Original Command for Placement

• Exodus 26:35: “Set the table outside the veil on the north side of the tabernacle, and put the lampstand opposite the table on the south side.”

• Exodus 25:30: “You are also to set the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times.”

Exodus 40:22 is the exact execution of these commands—nothing added, nothing omitted.

Obedience Demonstrated in Detail

• Exodus 40 repeats the phrase “as the LORD commanded Moses” seven times (vv. 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32).

• Verse 22 shows that even the furniture’s location mattered. Precise obedience, not mere good intentions, is the pattern.

• Moses follows a sequence: God speaks, Moses does—no negotiation, no delay.

Contrast: Disobedience at Sinai

• Exodus 32:1–8 shows Israel crafting the golden calf—ignoring God’s voice led to judgment (vv. 27–28) and broken tablets (v. 19).

• The stark difference: disobedience brought chaos; obedience in chapters 35–40 restores order and invites glory.

Pattern of Command and Obedience Across Exodus

1. Call to obey—Exodus 19:5: “Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant…”

2. Detailed instructions—Exodus 25–31.

3. Failure to obey—Exodus 32.

4. Renewal of covenant—Exodus 34.

5. Careful obedience—Exodus 35–40, climaxing with Exodus 40:22.

6. Divine response—Exodus 40:34: “Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”

Obedience Opens the Door to God’s Presence

• Moses completes the work exactly (Exodus 40:33).

• Immediate result: God’s glory fills the tabernacle, confirming His pleasure (Exodus 40:34–35).

• The sequence underscores a timeless principle echoed later in 1 Samuel 15:22—“to obey is better than sacrifice.”

Practical Takeaways for Today

• God values meticulous obedience; details reveal devotion.

• Obedience repairs what disobedience ruins.

• God’s manifested presence follows faithfulness to His revealed word.