Exodus 40:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting,

NIV: "Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting;

NASB: And you shall set the altar of burnt offering in front of the doorway of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.

CSB: Position the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting.

NLT: Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the Tabernacle entrance.

KJV: And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.

NKJV: Then you shall set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.

Exodus 40:1–33 records God's command for Israel to assemble the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) and all its components. God gave instructions about these to Moses (Exodus 25—31) and the Israelites followed them exactly (Exodus 35—39). Moses supervises as the entire design is put into place. The passage mirrors a pattern in Exodus, where God delivers instructions which are repeated in detail as they are obeyed.

Moses assembles the tabernacle according to the instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). This process is careful and methodical. Moses also consecrates Aaron and his sons into a permanent, hereditary priesthood. When building and ceremonies are complete, God brings down a cloud as His glory fills the tabernacle building. This cloud will guide Israel as they move towards the Promised Land.

Israel has completed all components needed to assemble the tabernacle (Exodus 35—39). When the work is finished and everything is in place, God's glory comes down in a cloud that guides the nation. The story of Israel's wandering continues in the book of Numbers, while the book of Leviticus records copious details from God's conversations with Moses (Exodus 24:18).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 9/12/2025 10:25:24 PM