Exodus 40:32

Authorized King James Version

When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּבֹאָ֞ם
When they went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֹ֣הֶל
into the tent
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
#4
מוֹעֵ֗ד
of the congregation
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
#5
וּבְקָרְבָתָ֛ם
and when they came near
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
unto the altar
an altar
#8
יִרְחָ֑צוּ
they washed
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#9
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
צִוָּ֥ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#11
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
מֹשֶֽׁה׃
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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