How does Exodus 40:27 demonstrate obedience to God's specific instructions? Setting the Scene • After months of precise craftsmanship, the Tabernacle is finally erected (Exodus 40:1-33). • Every step reflects earlier blueprints God gave on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25–31). • Moses now moves from construction to dedication, ensuring each article is used exactly as prescribed. Zooming In on Exodus 40:27 “and he burned fragrant incense on it, as the LORD had commanded him.” Obedience Displayed • Immediate compliance – Moses does not wait; once the altar of incense is set, he lights it. • Exact compliance – Incense is offered “on it,” not elsewhere (Exodus 30:1-6). – Only “fragrant incense” formulated from God’s recipe (Exodus 30:34-38). • Motivated by God’s word – The line “as the LORD had commanded him” appears seven times in this chapter (vv. 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32), underscoring a pattern of total obedience. Why This Matters • God’s presence follows obedience – Immediately after Moses finishes, “the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34-35). • Obedience keeps worship pure – Strange fire later brings death to Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3); Moses’ fidelity here sets the right standard. • Obedience is better than ritual alone – Compare Saul’s partial obedience in 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Moses models wholehearted submission. Lessons for Today • Follow God’s word precisely, not selectively. • Small details (“burning incense”) matter when God specifies them. • Obedience prepares the way for God’s manifest presence in our lives and communities. Scripture Connections • Genesis 6:22 – “Noah did everything that God commanded him.” Parallel obedience. • Exodus 39:42-43 – Craftsmanship done “just as the LORD had commanded.” • John 14:23 – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” New-covenant echo of the same principle. |
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