Exodus 25:40
And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.
Original Language Analysis
מָרְאֶ֖ה
And look
H7200
מָרְאֶ֖ה
And look
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַֽעֲשֵׂ֑ה
that thou make
H6213
וַֽעֲשֵׂ֑ה
that thou make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּתַ֨בְנִיתָ֔ם
them after their pattern
H8403
בְּתַ֨בְנִיתָ֔ם
them after their pattern
Strong's:
H8403
Word #:
3 of 7
structure; by implication, a model, resemblance
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Hebrews 8:5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.Acts 7:44Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.Exodus 26:30And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.Numbers 8:4And this work of the candlestick was of beaten gold, unto the shaft thereof, unto the flowers thereof, was beaten work: according unto the pattern which the LORD had shewed Moses, so he made the candlestick.Exodus 25:9According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.1 Chronicles 28:19All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.1 Chronicles 28:11Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,
Historical Context
Moses received these detailed instructions during his forty days on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18). The emphasis on exact replication protected Israel from syncretism with surrounding pagan practices and ensured worship reflected heavenly truth.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must worship conform to God's revealed pattern rather than human creativity?
- How does understanding the tabernacle as a 'copy' of heavenly reality enhance your appreciation of Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The chapter concludes with emphatic repetition: 'Look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.' The Hebrew רְאֵה (re'eh, 'see/look/take heed') intensifies the command. Moses must reproduce exactly what God revealed, not improvise. This underscores that worship must be according to divine revelation. Hebrews 8:5 confirms Moses saw heavenly realities—the tabernacle is a copy, Christ the reality.