Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 4:10-34

Thought from Today’s Old Testament Passage: After the materials for the tabernacle were prepared for construction, Moses was instructed to erect the structure on the first day of the first month (40:1). This would have been the month of Abib or Nisan. When final preparations were complete Moses along with the people of Israel erected the tabernacle at this appointed time which was about one year after they had left Egypt (v.17). The furniture was put into proper place (vv. 22-30) and Moses, along with Aaron and his sons, washed themselves preparatory to entering the tent (vv. 31-33). The moment of real thrill and satisfaction, however, was when God put his approval on the place by exhibiting His personal presence in the form of a cloud (v. 34). This was the same cloud that had accompanied the host and directed their journeys from Succoth (13:20-22). So great was this exhibition of God’s glory that Moses was not able to enter the tent (v. 35). It is appropriate that the Book of Exodus should conclude with this sublime manifestation of God’s glory. Any study of the tabernacle, if sincerely pursued, ought to lead one to a deeper appreciation of the marvelous prophetic unity of the Word of God, but even more important, it should point him to the majestic greatness and infinite holiness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. (John J. Davis, Moses and the Gods of Egypt (Baker Book House, 1971), p. 267)