Exodus 40:21 describes the completion of a key part of setting up the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them during their wilderness wanderings. Let's break down the verse:
"He brought the ark into the tabernacle...": "He" refers to Moses, who was acting under God's explicit instructions. The "ark" is the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. It contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel. The "tabernacle" is the main tent structure where the ark was to be housed.
"...and set up the veil of the screen...": The "veil" or "screen" is a special curtain that separated the Holy Place (where the priests could enter) from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies), the innermost chamber where the Ark was kept. This veil was incredibly ornate and significant.
"...and screened the ark of the testimony...": This clarifies the purpose of the veil: to conceal and protect the Ark of the Covenant ("ark of the testimony," which is another name for it). It was a physical barrier symbolizing the holiness and inaccessibility of God's presence. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
"...as Yahweh commanded Moses.": This emphasizes that every action taken was in direct obedience to God's specific instructions. This obedience was crucial, reflecting the importance of following God's precise blueprint for worship and relationship with Him.
In summary, this verse means:
Moses placed the Ark of the Covenant inside the Tabernacle's Holy of Holies and then hung the veil in front of it. This veil served to separate the Ark (and, by extension, God's presence) from the rest of the Tabernacle. This act was performed in exact accordance with the commands God had given to Moses.
Significance:
Holiness and Access to God: The separation created by the veil underscores the holiness of God and the restricted access to His presence.
Obedience: The emphasis on following God's commands highlights the importance of obedience in worship and relationship with God.
Establishment of Worship: This is a critical step in establishing the Tabernacle as the center of worship for the Israelites, according to God's design.
Fulfillment of Prophecy/Command: The completion of this step demonstrated Moses' faithfulness and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His instructions.
This verse represents a culmination of the meticulous work involved in building the Tabernacle. It underscores the sacredness of God and the importance of approaching Him according to His ordained ways.
Exodus 40:21 describes the completion of a key part of setting up the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them during their wilderness wanderings. Let's break down the verse:
"He brought the ark into the tabernacle...": "He" refers to Moses, who was acting under God's explicit instructions. The "ark" is the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. It contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel. The "tabernacle" is the main tent structure where the ark was to be housed.
"...and set up the veil of the screen...": The "veil" or "screen" is a special curtain that separated the Holy Place (where the priests could enter) from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies), the innermost chamber where the Ark was kept. This veil was incredibly ornate and significant.
"...and screened the ark of the testimony...": This clarifies the purpose of the veil: to conceal and protect the Ark of the Covenant ("ark of the testimony," which is another name for it). It was a physical barrier symbolizing the holiness and inaccessibility of God's presence. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
"...as Yahweh commanded Moses.": This emphasizes that every action taken was in direct obedience to God's specific instructions. This obedience was crucial, reflecting the importance of following God's precise blueprint for worship and relationship with Him.
In summary, this verse means:
Moses placed the Ark of the Covenant inside the Tabernacle's Holy of Holies and then hung the veil in front of it. This veil served to separate the Ark (and, by extension, God's presence) from the rest of the Tabernacle. This act was performed in exact accordance with the commands God had given to Moses.
Significance:
Holiness and Access to God: The separation created by the veil underscores the holiness of God and the restricted access to His presence.
Obedience: The emphasis on following God's commands highlights the importance of obedience in worship and relationship with God.
Establishment of Worship: This is a critical step in establishing the Tabernacle as the center of worship for the Israelites, according to God's design.
Fulfillment of Prophecy/Command: The completion of this step demonstrated Moses' faithfulness and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His instructions.
This verse represents a culmination of the meticulous work involved in building the Tabernacle. It underscores the sacredness of God and the importance of approaching Him according to His ordained ways.
