Exodus 40:33
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:33
33 And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, fellowship, worship. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 40:33
33 And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.
Analysis
'He reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar' (וַיָּקֶם אֶת־הֶחָצֵר, vayaqem et-heChatser) establishes sacred boundaries. The courtyard's enclosure separated holy space from common camp, teaching that God's dwelling requires distinction from profanity. The phrase 'set up the hanging of the court gate' completes the boundary, creating one entry point—prefiguring Christ, the exclusive way to the Father (John 14:6). Moses' declaration 'So Moses finished the work' (וַיְכַל מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַמְּלָאכָה, vayekhal Mosheh et-haMelakhah) echoes creation's completion (Genesis 2:1-2, וַיְכֻלּוּ, vayekhullu, were finished). Christ's 'It is finished' (John 19:30, Τετέλεσται) completes redemption.
Historical Context
The courtyard's substantial dimensions (150 feet by 75 feet) created sacred space accessible to all Israelites, not just priests. The single gate entrance controlled access, preventing casual or irreverent approach. The completion statement connects tabernacle (creation microcosm) to Genesis creation—both reflect God's ordered purpose.
Reflection
- How do sacred boundaries (courtyard walls) teach the church's call to be separate while remaining accessible?
- What does 'Moses finished the work' paralleling creation's completion and Christ's 'finished' reveal about redemptive history's stages?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 40:8