Exodus 40:16
Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָֽׂה׃
Thus did
H6213
עָשָֽׂה׃
Thus did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּ֠כֹל
H3605
כְּ֠כֹל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 9
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 #:
4 of 9
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 #:
6 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
This summary statement, positioned after instructions but before narrating their execution, emphasizes Moses' complete compliance. The narrator's editorial emphasis ('so did he') assures readers that tabernacle erection followed the divine pattern exactly—nothing added, nothing omitted.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' complete obedience challenge partial or selective compliance in contemporary worship?
- What does Christ's perfect obedience to the Father teach about the possibility and necessity of full submission?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Thus did Moses; according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he'—this comprehensive obedience statement (matching 39:32, 42, 43) emphasizes faithful execution. The Hebrew כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה (ka'asher tsivah, as commanded) appears repeatedly in Exodus 39-40, underscoring that acceptable worship follows divine prescription exactly. Moses' obedience contrasts with Aaron's golden calf compromise (ch 32), teaching that leadership must model fidelity. This obedience prefigures Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Father's will (John 4:34; 17:4).