The completion of the Tabernacle work marks a significant event in the history of the Israelites, as it represents the fulfillment of God's instructions to Moses regarding the construction of a dwelling place for His presence among His people. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus, chapters 35 through 40.

Divine Instructions and Human Obedience

The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was constructed according to the precise instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. These instructions are detailed in Exodus 25-31, where God outlines the materials, dimensions, and design of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The Israelites were called to contribute materials willingly, as stated in Exodus 35:5 : "Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze."

The work was overseen by Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God, granting them wisdom, understanding, and skill in craftsmanship (Exodus 35:30-35). The community's collective effort and obedience to God's commands were crucial in the successful completion of the Tabernacle.

Completion and Inspection

The completion of the Tabernacle is recorded in Exodus 39-40. After the construction was finished, the Israelites brought the Tabernacle and all its furnishings to Moses. Exodus 39:42-43 states, "The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. And Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them."

Erection of the Tabernacle

God instructed Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Israelites' departure from Egypt (Exodus 40:2). The erection of the Tabernacle was a detailed process, involving the placement of the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altar of Incense, and other sacred items in their designated places. Exodus 40:16 notes, "Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him."

The Glory of the LORD

Upon the completion and erection of the Tabernacle, the glory of the LORD filled the tent. Exodus 40:34-35 describes this momentous event: "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

The presence of the LORD in the Tabernacle signified His dwelling among the Israelites, guiding them throughout their journey in the wilderness. The cloud by day and the fire by night over the Tabernacle served as a constant reminder of God's presence and guidance (Exodus 40:36-38).

Significance

The completion of the Tabernacle work is a testament to the faithfulness and obedience of the Israelites to God's commands. It symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people and foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who "became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14). The Tabernacle serves as a precursor to the Temple in Jerusalem and ultimately points to the spiritual truth of God's presence with His people through the Holy Spirit.