Exodus 40:1
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 5
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
This occurred in 1445 BC, approximately nine months after the exodus and three months after Moses received the Law at Sinai. The tabernacle construction demonstrates Israel's restoration after the golden calf apostasy—God's willingness to dwell among a redeemed but imperfect people.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's continued communication with Moses after Israel's golden calf sin teach about His faithfulness?
- How should we prepare to meet with God, knowing He desires to dwell with His people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD spake unto Moses (וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה, vayedaber YHWH el-Mosheh)—the verb דָּבַר (davar, to speak) introduces divine instruction for erecting the completed tabernacle. This formulaic opening appears 38 times in Exodus, establishing Moses' unique prophetic authority as the one to whom YHWH speaks directly (Numbers 12:6-8).
Exodus 40 brings the book full circle: it began with Israel enslaved in Egypt (1:1-14) and ends with God's glory dwelling among them (40:34-38). The simple phrase saying (לֵּאמֹר, lemor) introduces God's detailed commands for the tabernacle's dedication on the first day of the first month—exactly one year after the first Passover. This marks Israel's transformation from liberated slaves to a nation hosting God's presence.