Exodus 40:3 meaning

Setting up the tabernacle was a pivotal moment for the Israelites as it marked the establishment of a dwelling place for God among His people. This directive came from God Himself, who specified how the tabernacle and its furnishings were to be arranged to reflect divine order and holiness. In positioning the ark of the testimony and covering it with a veil, God not only emphasized His transcendence but also His desire for intimate communion with His people. This procedure highlights the essence of worship where God's presence is central, and thus, the implementation of these instructions was crucial for Israel's relationship with their covenant-keeping God.

In Exodus 40:3, Moses is commanded to prepare the tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's blueprint for worship. The act of setting the tabernacle represents a new creation for the Israelites, paralleling the creation narrative, wherein God seeks to dwell among His people and guide them. This clarifies that worship must be conducted according to God's specifications, illustrating the necessity for sanctity and order in approaching the Lord. The arrangement also serves as a foretaste of the ultimate revelation of God's presence in Jesus Christ.