What does Exodus 40:28 mean?

"¶ And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle." - Exodus 40:28

"¶ And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle." - Exodus 40:28

Exodus 40:28 (KJV) reads, "And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle." This verse comes at the end of a passage that describes the completion of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness.

The context of this verse is the final act of setting up the Tabernacle, as directed by the Lord to Moses. Throughout the book of Exodus, the Israelites have been in a process of construction and assembly, guided by God's specific instructions. In the previous verses, we see that "Moses did according to all that the Lord commanded him, so did he" (Exodus 40:16, KJV). The hanging at the door of the tabernacle was the final piece of the construction process, signifying the completion of the work as God had directed.

The hanging at the door of the tabernacle had a specific purpose and significance. It served as a curtain or veil, separating the outer court from the inner sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. This separation symbolized the boundary between the holy and the common, emphasizing the sacredness of the dwelling place of God among His people. In the New Testament, this imagery is further developed, particularly in the book of Hebrews, where the veil is seen as a symbol of Christ's body, which was torn on the cross, granting believers direct access to God.

The themes present in Exodus 40:28 include obedience, completion, and the presence of God. The obedience of Moses and the Israelites to God's commands is highlighted throughout the passage, as they meticulously follow every detail of the construction process. This obedience reflects the faith and trust that the Israelites had in God's provision and presence among them. The completion of the Tabernacle represents the fulfillment of God's instructions and the establishment of a physical dwelling place for Him among His people. Finally, the presence of God is central to the entire narrative, as the Tabernacle was a place where God could dwell in the midst of His chosen people.

Symbolically, the hanging at the door of the tabernacle represents the barrier between humanity and the holiness of God. It signifies the separation caused by sin and the need for a mediator to bridge the gap between God and humanity. In the New Testament, this imagery finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is described as the "veil" that was torn, granting believers access to God's presence.

Furthermore, the symbol of the veil also serves as a reminder of the exclusivity of God's presence. Only the high priest was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, and that too, only once a year on the Day of Atonement. This exclusivity highlights the holiness of God and the reverence that His presence demands.

In conclusion, Exodus 40:28 is a significant verse that marks the completion of the Tabernacle and signifies the presence of God among His people. The hanging at the door of the tabernacle serves as a powerful symbol of the separation between God and humanity, as well as the need for a mediator to bridge that gap. It also points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of this need in Jesus Christ, who grants believers direct access to God's presence. Finally, the obedience, completion, and presence of God are key themes that run throughout this verse, underscoring the significance of the Tabernacle as a tangible manifestation of God's dwelling among His people.

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Exodus 40:28 Artwork

Exodus 40:28 - "¶ And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle."

Exodus 40:28 - "¶ And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle."

"¶ And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle." - Exodus 40:28

"¶ And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle." - Exodus 40:28

Exodus 28:40 - "¶ And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty."

Exodus 28:40 - "¶ And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty."

Exodus 40: 34

Exodus 40: 34

Exodus 40:9

Exodus 40:9

Exodus 40:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Exodus 40:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

"¶ And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty." - Exodus 28:40

"¶ And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty." - Exodus 28:40

Exodus 25:31-40 This is an oil lampstand.

Exodus 25:31-40 This is an oil lampstand.

Exodus 40:11 - "And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it."

Exodus 40:11 - "And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it."

Exodus 40:25 - "And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses."

Exodus 40:25 - "And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses."

Exodus 40:26 - "¶ And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:"

Exodus 40:26 - "¶ And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:"

Exodus 40:34 - "¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

Exodus 40:34 - "¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

Exodus 40:31 - "And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:"

Exodus 40:31 - "And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:"

Exodus 40:14 - "And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats:"

Exodus 40:14 - "And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats:"

Exodus 40:27 - "And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses."

Exodus 40:27 - "And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses."

Exodus 40:3 - "And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail."

Exodus 40:3 - "And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail."

Exodus 40:37 - "But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up."

Exodus 40:37 - "But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up."

Exodus 25:40 - "And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount."

Exodus 25:40 - "And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount."

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 28:4

Exodus 28:4

Exodus 23:28

Exodus 23:28

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 32:28

Exodus 32:28

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 22:28

exodus 28 ephod

exodus 28 ephod

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 28:4

Exodus 28:4

Ezekiel 40:28 - "And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;"

Ezekiel 40:28 - "And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;"

Exodus 40:24 - "¶ And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward."

Exodus 40:24 - "¶ And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward."