Exodus Chapter 40

Exodus 40 — “The Glory of the LORD Filled the Dwelling”

Exodus began with a people in chains.
It ends with a people in communion.

Between slavery and glory lies blood, law, repentance, mercy, and worship.
Now the journey reaches its goal:

God comes to dwell among His redeemed people.

Exodus 40 is not about furniture.
It is about the return of God to humanity.

1. God Himself Establishes the Dwelling

“On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle…” (Ex 40:2)

God does not leave the final act to human hands alone.

Moses built according to God’s command —
but God determines when His house is ready.

This teaches a spiritual truth:

Holiness is prepared by obedience,
but consecrated by God.

St Gregory of Nyssa writes:

“The dwelling of God is not finished when man has worked, but when God has come.”
(Life of Moses)

2. Everything Is Put in Its Place

“You shall put in it the ark of the testimony…” (v. 3)

Each sacred object returns to its proper order:

• throne
• table
• lamp
• altar
• veil
• courtyard

The sanctuary becomes a visible theology:

God reigns.
God feeds.
God enlightens.
God forgives.
God dwells.

The Church has always seen this order as a pattern for worship.

3. Moses Anoints the Whole Dwelling

“You shall anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it…” (v. 9)

Not only the priests are holy —
the space itself is sanctified.

The world begins to be healed here.

Matter becomes holy when God claims it.

This is why the Church blesses buildings, altars, and vessels.

St Augustine writes:

“God makes His home not only in souls but in the things that serve them.”
(Sermons)

4. The Priests Are Consecrated

“You shall bring Aaron and his sons… and clothe them…” (vv. 12–13)

They are washed, clothed, anointed.

They do not appoint themselves.

They are made holy by God.

This anticipates the sacramental priesthood of the Church.

5. Moses Obeys Everything

“Moses did according to all that the LORD commanded him.” (v. 16)

This line is repeated like a refrain.

Faithfulness completes what mercy began.

Grace does not destroy obedience —
it makes it possible.

6. The Cloud Descends

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting…” (v. 34)

This is the climax of Exodus.

The glory that once shook Sinai
now fills the sanctuary.

God has moved from mountain
to tent.

From thunder
to dwelling.

St Gregory the Great writes:

“God who once terrified now abides; fear has given way to love.”
(Moralia)

7. God Enters His House

“The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” (v. 34)

This is the moment everything has been waiting for.

The blood.
The law.
The mercy.
The repentance.
The gold.
The priesthood.

All were for this:

God with His people.

8. Even Moses Cannot Enter

“Moses was not able to enter…” (v. 35)

The glory is overwhelming.

God is not diminished by nearness.

Holiness still burns.

This prepares for Christ, who alone can bring us fully into God’s presence.

9. God Leads His People

“Whenever the cloud was taken up… the people of Israel set out…” (v. 36)

The journey continues —
but now God travels with them.

The LORD does not rule from afar.

He moves with His people.

10. Fire by Night, Cloud by Day

God is light in darkness
and shade in heat.

This is the Shepherd of Israel.

St Augustine says:

“He guides by light and guards by shadow, for mercy watches over every hour.”
(Sermons)

Theological Summary

ThemeMeaning
TabernacleGod’s dwelling
AnointingSanctification
CloudGod’s presence
GloryDivine nearness
Moses barredHoliness
GuidanceGod with His people

Christ in Exodus 40

Everything in Exodus ends here —
and everything in the Gospel begins here.

The Fathers saw Christ in this final scene:

• God dwelling with man
• glory veiled in humanity
• fire and cloud united

St John says:

“The Word dwelt among us” — literally, “tabernacled among us.”

Christ is the true Tabernacle.

Spiritual Application

  • Let God dwell in you.
  • Let Christ be your sanctuary.
  • Follow His leading.
  • Live as one in whom God abides.

Closing Prayer

Lord God,
who brought Your people out of slavery
and came to dwell among them,
come now and dwell in us through Jesus Christ.
Fill us with Your glory,
lead us by Your Spirit,
and make our lives a holy dwelling
until we reach the land of Your promise,
where You live and reign forever.
Amen.