Exodus 40:18
And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֖קֶם
reared up
H6965
וַיָּ֖קֶם
reared up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֗ן
the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֗ן
the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
4 of 16
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וַיִּתֵּ֖ן
and fastened
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֖ן
and fastened
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיָּ֙שֶׂם֙
and set up
H7760
וַיָּ֙שֶׂם֙
and set up
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
8 of 16
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קְרָשָׁ֔יו
the boards
H7175
קְרָשָׁ֔יו
the boards
Strong's:
H7175
Word #:
10 of 16
a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship
וַיִּתֵּ֖ן
and fastened
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֖ן
and fastened
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
11 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיָּ֖קֶם
reared up
H6965
וַיָּ֖קֶם
reared up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
14 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Historical Context
Moses personally erected the tabernacle, though Bezalel and Oholiab's teams constructed components (chapters 35-39). This hands-on involvement by God's appointed leader ensured exact conformity to the heavenly pattern Moses saw on Sinai (Exodus 25:9, 40). The assembly's success vindicated the artisans' faithful craftsmanship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses personally erecting the tabernacle despite delegating construction teach balanced leadership engagement?
- What does divine direction requiring human action reveal about God's ordinary means of working?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses' erection of the tabernacle—'reared up' (וַיָּקֶם, vayaqem, caused to stand)—emphasizes human agency under divine direction. Moses personally 'fastened' (נָתַן, natan, gave/set) sockets, 'set up' (שָׂם, sam, placed) boards, 'put in' (נָתַן, natan) bars, and 'reared up' (הֵקִים, heqim) pillars. The detailed verbs teach that God's work requires human action—divine sovereignty includes human responsibility. Moses' hands-on involvement, despite delegating construction (chs 35-39), models leadership's engagement. Christ 'pitched His tabernacle' among us (John 1:14, ἐσκήνωσεν, tabernacled), divine initiative with human participation.