What is the meaning of Exodus 40:21? He brought the ark into the tabernacle “Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle…” (Exodus 40:21) • Moses places the Ark—the very throne of God’s presence—at the heart of the newly erected sanctuary (Exodus 26:33–34; Numbers 7:89). • This action signals that fellowship with God begins with His initiative; He provides the Ark, the mercy seat, and the testimony inside (Exodus 25:16, 22; Hebrews 9:4–5). • By situating the Ark first, Moses shows that worship centers on God’s revelation, not human invention (Psalm 99:1; Revelation 11:19). Put up the veil for the screen “…put up the veil for the screen…” • The heavy curtain stands between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:31–33). • It communicates both God’s holiness and our separation because of sin (Leviticus 16:2; Isaiah 59:2). • The veil also foreshadows Christ, whose flesh would be “the new and living way” opened for us when the veil of the temple was torn at His death (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19–20). Shielded off the ark of the Testimony “…and shielded off the ark of the Testimony…” • The expression highlights careful obedience: Moses “screened” or enclosed the Ark so that no unauthorized gaze would fall upon it (Numbers 4:5, 20; 1 Samuel 6:19). • This guarding underscores God’s demand for reverence and reminds Israel that approach must be made through atonement, later enacted annually on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:15–17). • For believers, Christ’s blood permanently satisfies that requirement, granting confident access (Romans 5:1–2; Hebrews 4:16). Just as the LORD had commanded him “…just as the LORD had commanded him.” • Eight times in Exodus 40 the text repeats this refrain (vv. 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32), stressing thorough submission to God’s pattern (Exodus 25:9; Deuteronomy 12:32). • Obedience precedes glory; only after everything is done God’s way does His cloud fill the tabernacle (Exodus 40:33–34). • Jesus models the same principle, doing “exactly as the Father commanded” (John 14:31), inviting us into faith expressed through loving obedience (John 14:15; 1 John 2:5). summary Exodus 40:21 records Moses faithfully installing the Ark, erecting the veil, and safeguarding the Most Holy Place exactly as instructed. Each detail underscores God’s holiness, humanity’s need for mediated access, and the blessing that flows when we follow His word precisely. The verse ultimately points ahead to Christ, who fulfills the symbolism by tearing the veil and bringing us near to the very presence of God. |
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