Exodus 39:32
Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.
Original Language Analysis
וַתֵּ֕כֶל
finished
H3615
וַתֵּ֕כֶל
finished
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
1 of 17
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִשְׁכַּ֖ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
מִשְׁכַּ֖ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
4 of 17
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
עָשֽׂוּ׃
did
H6213
עָשֽׂוּ׃
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּנֵ֣י
and the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
and the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כְּ֠כֹל
H3605
כְּ֠כֹל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֛ה
according to all that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
according to all that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The tabernacle's completion came nearly a year after Sinai (Exodus 19:1 to 40:17), including the golden calf incident's interruption. This completion vindicated the artisans' Spirit-empowered work (31:1-6; 35:30-35) and demonstrated that corporate repentance restored blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's complete obedience after the golden calf apostasy illustrate the possibility of restoration?
- What does 'finished' in Exodus 39:32 and John 19:30 teach about God's completed redemptive work?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse marks completion: 'Thus was all the work of the tabernacle...finished' (וַתֵּכֶל, vatekhel, was completed—same verb as Genesis 2:1-2, creation's completion). The emphasis 'the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses' (matching Exodus 39:42-43; 40:16) teaches that faithful obedience brings completion. After the golden calf apostasy (ch 32), Israel's obedience here demonstrates restoration. This completion prefigures Christ's 'It is finished' (John 19:30)—redemption accomplished. The pattern followed exactly (no deviation) shows that God's design, not human innovation, governs worship.