Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Exodus Ch.40 / 40 Ch.s
EX:40
* The tabernacle is to be set up, Aaron and his sons to be
sanctified. (1-15) Moses performs all as directed. (16-33) The
glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle. (34-38)
#1-15 When a new year begins, we should seek to serve God better
than the year before. In half a year the tabernacle was
completed. When the hearts of numbers are earnest in a good
cause, much may be done in a short time; and when the
commandments of God are continually attended to, as the rule of
working, all will be done well. The high-priesthood was in the
family of Aaron till Christ came, and in Him, the substance of
all these shadows, it continues for ever.
#16-33 When the tabernacle and the furniture of it were
prepared, they did not put off rearing it till they came to
Canaan; but, in obedience to the will of God, they set it up in
the midst of their camp. Those who are unsettled in the world,
must not think that this will excuse want of religion; as if it
were enough to begin to serve God when they begin to be settled
in the world. No; a tabernacle for God is very needful, even in
a wilderness, especially as we may be in another world before we
come to fix in this. And we may justly fear lest we should
deceive ourselves with a form of godliness. The thought that so
few entered Canaan, should warn young persons especially, not to
put off the care of their souls.
#34-38 The cloud covered the tabernacle even in the clearest
day; it was not a cloud which the sun scatters. This cloud was a
token of God's presence to be seen day and night, by all Israel,
that they might never again question, Is the Lord among us, or
is he not? It guided the camp of Israel through the wilderness.
While the cloud rested on the tabernacle, they rested; when it
removed, they followed it. The glory of the Lord filled the
tabernacle. In light and fire the Shechinah made itself visible:
God is Light; our God is a consuming Fire. Yet so dazzling was
the light, and so dreadful the fire, that Moses was not able to
enter into the tent of the congregation, till the splendour was
abated. But what Moses could not do, our Lord Jesus has done,
whom God caused to draw near; and who has invited us to come
boldly, even to the mercy-seat. Being taught by the Holy Spirit
to follow the example of Christ, as well as to depend upon him,
to attend his ordinances, and obey his precepts, we shall be
kept from losing our way, and be led in the midst of the paths
of judgment, till we come to heaven, the habitation of his
holiness. BLESSED BE GOD FOR JESUS CHRIST!