Exodus 40:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:16
16 Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, judgment, covenant. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 40:16
16 Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.
Analysis
'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).
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 4:1