What is the meaning of Exodus 40:33? And Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and the altar • Exodus 27:9-19 had already given the blueprint for this linen-walled rectangle, so Moses is now putting those exact instructions into place (Exodus 38:9-20 confirms the dimensions). • The courtyard draws a clear line between what is holy and what is common. Numbers 1:50-53 shows that only the Levites were to guard this space; Psalm 84:2 later celebrates the privilege of standing even in those “courts of the LORD.” • The altar sits inside that fenced area, front-and-center (Exodus 27:1-8). Everyone entering must face the reality of substitutionary sacrifice before taking another step toward God—an echo of Hebrews 9:22, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • Practically, Moses’s action teaches: – God’s holiness requires a boundary. – Approach begins with atonement. – Obedience to revealed detail matters; Moses did not improvise. and he hung the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard • That single gateway (Exodus 27:16; 38:18) faced east, inviting worshipers to turn their backs on the rising sun—a subtle rejection of pagan sun-worship and an acknowledgment that true light is found in the LORD (cf. Malachi 4:2). • A colorful, finely woven curtain proclaimed dignity and beauty even before anyone reached the sanctuary proper. • Jesus applies the symbolism to Himself: “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved” (John 10:9). Hebrews 10:19-20 likewise speaks of “the new and living way” opened by His flesh, showing the prophetic pointer embedded in this ancient fabric. • Takeaways: – There is one entrance, not many. – God Himself provides that entrance. – Worship is both inviting and exclusive—open to all who come His way, closed to every other approach. So Moses finished the work • Exodus 40:16 had already noted that “Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him,” and now the final sentence underscores it: nothing is left undone. • The phrase deliberately mirrors earlier completions: – Genesis 2:1-3—God “finished” creation and rested. – 1 Kings 7:51—Solomon “finished all the work” for the temple. – John 19:30—Christ cried, “It is finished!” accomplishing the far greater redemption to which the tabernacle pointed. • What follows in Exodus 40:34-38 is the LORD’s immediate response: His glory fills the tabernacle, validating the work and dwelling among His people. • Lessons wrapped in those final words: – Obedience qualifies us to host God’s presence. – God’s approval is recognizable; He makes His dwelling unmistakably known. – Every finished work in Scripture anticipates the ultimate completion secured by Christ. summary Exodus 40:33 captures a triple milestone: the courtyard and altar set God’s holiness before the people; the single curtain affirms that access is on His terms; the finishing statement celebrates meticulous obedience and foreshadows the greater work Christ would one day declare “finished.” Together, the verse invites us to honor God’s boundaries, enter by His appointed gate, and rest in His completed salvation. |
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