Exodus 40:9
Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it along with all its furnishings, and it shall be holy.
Take the anointing oil

Moses used the sacred oil prepared according to God’s instructions, reserved solely for the Lord’s service.

Exo 29:7 Then take the anointing oil and anoint him…
Lev 8:10 Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle…
Psa 133:2 It is like fine oil on the head, running down…

and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it;

Every part of the newly erected sanctuary, including its vessels and altar, was marked as belonging to God and prepared for worship.

Lev 8:11 He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times…
Exo 30:26-29 Use this oil to anoint the Tent of Meeting,…
Heb 9:21 In the same way, he sprinkled with blood the tabernacle…

consecrate it along with all its furnishings,

The anointing consecrated—made sacred and dedicated to divine service—the tabernacle and its contents, setting them apart from ordinary use for the priestly ministry and sacrifices God had appointed.

Num 7:1 On the day Moses finished setting up the tabernacle,…
Exo 29:44 So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar,…
Lev 16:19 He is to sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger…

and it shall be holy.

Its holiness came from God’s command and His dwelling among Israel. Nothing dedicated in this way could be treated as common.

Exo 29:37 For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar…
Num 4:15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering…
Lev 6:18 Any male among the sons of Aaron may eat it.…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law. In this context, Moses is instructed to anoint the tabernacle.

2. The Tabernacle
A portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, designed according to divine specifications. It symbolizes God's presence with His people.

3. Anointing Oil
A sacred mixture used for consecrating the tabernacle and its furnishings, signifying holiness and dedication to God.

4. Consecration
The act of making something sacred or holy, setting it apart for God's purposes.

5. Holiness
The state of being holy, which in this context means being set apart for God's service and presence.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Holiness
Holiness is central to our relationship with God. Just as the tabernacle was consecrated, our lives should be set apart for God's purposes.

Symbolism of Anointing
Anointing with oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment. As believers, we are anointed by the Spirit to live out our faith.

God's Presence Among His People
The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence. Today, God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, making our bodies His temple.

Consecration in Daily Life
We are called to consecrate our lives, dedicating our actions, thoughts, and possessions to God's service.

The Role of Obedience
Moses' obedience in anointing the tabernacle is a model for us. Obedience to God's instructions is crucial in our walk with Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of holiness in Exodus 40:9 apply to our lives today as believers?

2. In what ways can we consecrate our daily activities to God, similar to the consecration of the tabernacle?

3. How does the anointing of the tabernacle foreshadow the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our lives reflect the holiness that God desires?

5. How does understanding the role of the tabernacle enhance our appreciation of Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence among His people?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8:10-11
This passage describes the anointing of the tabernacle and its furnishings, reinforcing the theme of consecration and holiness.

1 Samuel 16:13
The anointing of David as king, illustrating the use of anointing oil to set apart individuals for God's purposes.

Hebrews 9:11-12
Discusses Christ as the greater and more perfect tabernacle, connecting the Old Testament tabernacle to the New Testament understanding of Jesus' role.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, emphasizing the call to holiness for all who follow Christ.
The Erection of the TabernacleJ. Urquhart Exodus 40:1-33
The Tabernacle Set UpJ. Orr Exodus 40:1-33
Tabernacle ForeshadowingsW. M. Taylor, D. D.Exodus 40:1-38
The Primary and Universal Obligation to the Worship of JehovahJ. Allport.Exodus 40:1-38
The Setting Up of the Tabernacle on New Year's DayC. P. Eyre, M. A.Exodus 40:1-38
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Anoint, Anointed, Anointing, Consecrate, Furnishings, Furniture, Hallow, Hallowed, Hast, Holy, Oil, Tabernacle, Therein, Thereof, Utensils, Vessels
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 40:9

     8272   holiness, growth in

Exodus 40:9-11

     4488   oil
     7459   tabernacle, in OT
     8218   consecration

Exodus 40:9-15

     7304   anointing
     8270   holiness, set apart

Library
July 7. "And the Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle" (Ex. Xl. 35).
"And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Ex. xl. 35). In the last chapter of Exodus we read all the Lord commanded Moses to do, and that as he fulfilled these commands the glory of the Lord descended and filled the tabernacle till there was no room for Moses, and from that time the pillar of cloud overshadowed them, their guide, their protection. And so we have been building as the Lord Himself commanded, and now the temple is to be handed over to Him to be possessed and filled. He will
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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