Exodus 40:19
And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
over the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
over the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
5 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
וַיָּ֜שֶׂם
and put
H7760
וַיָּ֜שֶׂם
and put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 16
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִלְמָ֑עְלָה
above
H4605
מִלְמָ֑עְלָה
above
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
11 of 16
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
upon it as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
upon it as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The tent coverings' layered design provided weather protection for the tabernacle structure and symbolized graduated revelation—outer coverings showed durability, inner linings revealed beauty. Desert travelers seeing the drab outer covering wouldn't suspect the glory within, teaching that spiritual reality exceeds visible appearance.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the layered coverings (beauty inside, durability outside) illustrate the church's nature?
- What does comprehensive covering (nothing exposed) teach about Christ's complete righteousness clothing believers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'He spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle' (וַיִּפְרֹשׂ אֶת־הָאֹהֶל, vayifros et-ha'ohel)—the coverings protected the tabernacle structure. The layered coverings—linen (beauty), goats' hair (provision), rams' skins (sacrifice), seals' skins (protection)—taught diverse aspects of God's character. The verb פָּרַשׂ (paras, to spread/stretch) indicates complete covering; nothing remained exposed. This prefigures Christ's covering believers with His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), comprehensive protection. The phrase 'as the LORD commanded Moses' (3rd of 8 times in ch 40) maintains emphasis on exact obedience.