What can we learn about obedience from Moses' actions in Exodus 40:35?

◄ Lessons on obedience from Moses? ►

Setting the Scene

Exodus 40 records Moses completing the tabernacle “just as the LORD had commanded.” After every detail is finished, we reach verse 35:

“Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”

What Moses’ Obedience Looked Like

- He followed God’s blueprint without deviation (Exodus 40:16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32).

- He waited for God’s timing; he did not rush into the newly filled sanctuary.

- He accepted God’s boundary: even the faithful leader stayed outside when God’s glory descended.

Key Lessons on Obedience

1. Obedience invites God’s manifest presence

• Because every command was obeyed, God’s glory visibly filled the tabernacle (cf. John 14:23).

2. Obedience recognizes God’s holiness and authority

• Moses honored the boundary God set, acknowledging the Lord’s absolute purity (Leviticus 10:3).

3. Obedience produces humility

• The man who spoke with God “face to face” (Exodus 33:11) now waits outside, showing that no past experience exempts us from present reverence.

4. Obedience submits outcome to God

• Moses built; God filled. Faithful action is our responsibility; manifest glory is God’s prerogative (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

5. Obedience becomes a witness for the people

• Israel saw God’s glory and knew the work was approved (Exodus 40:34, 38), reinforcing communal trust in God’s Word.

Supporting Scriptures

- 1 Samuel 15:22 — “To obey is better than sacrifice.”

- Deuteronomy 5:33 — “Walk in all the way the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper.”

- Psalm 25:9 — “He guides the humble in what is right.”

- James 4:6-7 — “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble… Submit yourselves therefore to God.”

Living It Out Today

• Follow God’s Word completely, not selectively.

• Respect God-ordained boundaries; holiness still matters.

• Wait for God’s confirmation rather than forcing your way forward.

• Keep a posture of humility even after past victories.

• Let your obedience testify to others that God’s ways are trustworthy.