Exodus 34 to 40: Renewal of the Covenant and the Construction of the Tabernacle (KJV)
Exodus chapters 34 to 40 in the King James Bible (KJV) conclude the book of Exodus by highlighting God’s mercy in renewing His covenant with Israel, despite their earlier sin of idolatry. These chapters focus on the restoration of Israel’s relationship with God and the detailed construction of the Tabernacle, God’s dwelling place among His people. Through these events, we see God’s unwavering faithfulness, the need for atonement, and the importance of obedience in worship.
Exodus 34: The Renewal of the Covenant
After Israel’s sin with the golden calf in Exodus 32, God renews His covenant with the people in Exodus 34. Moses is instructed to return to Mount Sinai with two new tablets of stone, as the first tablets containing the Ten Commandments were broken in anger when Moses saw the people’s idolatry. God descends in a cloud and proclaims His name, emphasizing His mercy, grace, and justice: “The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6 KJV).
God reiterates His covenant promises and commands, urging the Israelites to refrain from idolatry and to avoid forming alliances with pagan nations that could lead them astray. The laws regarding the Sabbath, the observance of feasts, and the dedication of firstborns are restated, reminding the people of their commitment to live as a holy nation set apart for God.
Moses spends forty days and nights on the mountain, and when he returns with the new tablets, his face shines brightly due to the time spent in God’s presence. The people are initially afraid, but Moses covers his face with a veil when speaking to them, signifying the transformative power of being in communion with God.
Exodus 35: The Sabbath and Offerings for the Tabernacle
Exodus 35 begins with Moses reminding the people of the importance of keeping the Sabbath, a recurring theme that underscores rest and worship as central to their covenant with God. He then calls upon the Israelites to bring voluntary offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle, including gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, animal skins, and precious stones.
The chapter highlights the generosity of the people, as men and women willingly offer their skills and materials to build the Tabernacle. Skilled craftsmen, including Bezaleel and Aholiab, are specifically chosen and filled with the Spirit of God to oversee the intricate work. Their talents, along with the people’s offerings, will contribute to creating a dwelling place where God’s presence can reside among them.
Exodus 36: The Construction Begins
In Exodus 36, the actual construction of the Tabernacle begins. The Israelites are so eager to contribute to the project that they bring more than enough materials, prompting Moses to issue a command to stop bringing offerings (Exodus 36:6-7 KJV). This spirit of generosity reflects the people’s desire to atone for their earlier disobedience and demonstrate their renewed commitment to God.
The craftsmen construct the Tabernacle’s curtains, made of fine linen embroidered with cherubim, as well as the boards and coverings that will make up its structure. The intricate details of the veil, which separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, are also completed. The work is done according to the exact specifications God provided earlier in Exodus, emphasizing obedience to His divine instructions.
Exodus 37: The Ark of the Covenant and Sacred Furnishings
Exodus 37 focuses on the construction of the Tabernacle’s sacred furnishings, starting with the Ark of the Covenant. Bezaleel crafts the Ark from acacia wood and overlays it with pure gold. The Ark is to house the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing the covenant between God and His people.
The chapter also describes the making of the Mercy Seat, the Table of Showbread, the Golden Candlestick (Menorah), and the Altar of Incense. Each piece of furniture is designed to be a symbolic representation of God’s holiness, provision, and presence. The meticulous detail in the crafting of these items reflects the sacredness of the space where God will dwell among His people.
Exodus 38: The Altar of Burnt Offering and the Courtyard
In Exodus 38, the Altar of Burnt Offering is constructed, along with the Bronze Laver for the priests to wash their hands and feet before performing their duties. The Courtyard of the Tabernacle is also completed, with fine linen curtains and bronze pillars enclosing the sacred space.
The chapter includes a detailed accounting of the materials used for the construction of the Tabernacle, signifying the transparency and care taken to ensure that all contributions were used appropriately. The tabernacle was a collective effort, built from the offerings of all the people, and this inventory highlights the importance of stewardship and accountability in God’s work.
Exodus 39: The Priestly Garments
Exodus 39 describes the making of the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons. These garments, designed with great care and skill, include the ephod, the breastplate, and the robe, all of which are richly decorated with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads. The breastplate is adorned with twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, symbolizing the high priest’s role in representing the people before God.
The chapter also emphasizes the gold plate worn on the high priest’s turban, engraved with the words “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” (Exodus 39:30 KJV), signifying the consecration of the priests to their sacred duties. When all the work on the Tabernacle and its furnishings is completed, the people bring everything to Moses for inspection, and he blesses them for their obedience to God’s commands.
Exodus 40: The Tabernacle Completed and God’s Glory Fills the Sanctuary
In the final chapter of Exodus, Moses is instructed by God to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month, marking the beginning of Israel’s new relationship with God. Moses carefully follows all of God’s instructions, placing the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies, arranging the furniture in the Holy Place, and setting up the outer courtyard.
Once the Tabernacle is completed, God’s glory descends in the form of a cloud, filling the sanctuary. “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34 KJV). The cloud represents God’s presence with His people, guiding them through their journey in the wilderness. When the cloud remains over the Tabernacle, the Israelites stay where they are, and when the cloud lifts, they move forward.
This visible manifestation of God’s presence serves as a powerful reminder that God is with His people, leading them and providing for them, despite their earlier failings.
Conclusion
Exodus 34 to 40 marks the culmination of Israel’s journey from slavery in Egypt to becoming a people who are in covenant with God, set apart to worship Him. The renewal of the covenant in Exodus 34 demonstrates God’s mercy and grace, even in the face of Israel’s rebellion. The construction of the Tabernacle symbolizes not only God’s desire to dwell among His people but also the importance of obedience, holiness, and worship in the life of the nation.
The final chapters of Exodus remind us that God is faithful to His promises, and His presence is a source of guidance and blessing. As the Israelites prepare to continue their journey through the wilderness, the Tabernacle becomes the center of their worship and the focal point of their relationship with the living God. Through their obedience in building the Tabernacle, the people of Israel demonstrate their renewed commitment to the covenant and their dependence on God’s leadership and protection.
