Exodus 40:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:19
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, righteousness, holiness. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 40:19
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.
Analysis
'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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord