Read Exodus 40
Highlights: Tabernacle completed and erected; furnishings arranged; consecration of Aaron and his sons; the glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle.
After the sin offering has been sacrificed, we next approach the Laver of brass (Ex. 38:8), containing water for the cleansing of the priests before they entered the Holy Place. As they entered the Holy Place, the Table of Shewbread was on the right and the Golden Candlestick on the left. The first room of the Tabernacle was known as the Holy Place (26:35; 40:22-23). And he (Moses) brought the Ark into the Tabernacle . . . as the Lord commanded. . . . And he put the Table in the Tent . . . northward, without (outside but near) the vail. And he set the bread in order . . . as the Lord had commanded Moses. And he put the Candlestick . . . over against (opposite) the Table . . . southward. . . . lighted the lamps (seven bowls filled with oils atop the candlestick) . . . . And . . . put the Golden Altar in the Tent of the congregation before (in front of) the vail (just outside the Holy of Holies) (40:21-26). The Golden Altar illustrates the privilege of prayer. We can pray anytime and anywhere.
Bread was set on the Table of Shewbread (25:23-30) in the presence of Jehovah, one loaf for each tribe of Israel. The bread placed upon the Table reminded the Israelites of their dependence upon Jehovah for their daily sustenance (Ezek. 16:19; Hos. 2:8). But it also was symbolic of Christ who said: I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst (John 6:35).
The Candlestick represented guidance by the Holy Spirit: He will guide you into all Truth (John 16:13). Israel was guided at night by the presence of the Lord in a pillar of fire, to give them light (Ex. 13:21). The Candlestick's flame was fueled with oil which illustrates the Spirit of God. The Candlestick also stood as a symbol foreshadowing Christ, who declared: I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life (John 8:12).
The Word of God and His Holy Spirit provide all of the wisdom, spiritual guidance, and strength necessary to live obediently and victoriously for Him. He has revealed that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is holy, which Temple ye are (I Cor. 3:16-17; 6:18-19). Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice (Phil. 4:4).
Thought for Today:
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety (Ps. 4:8).
Christ Portrayed:
By Aaron as the high priest (Ex. 40:13). Christ being come an High Priest. . . . to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb. 9:7-24).
Word Studies:
40:3 the Testimony the Ten Commandments; cover the Ark with the vail hang a curtain to separate the Most Holy Place; 40:7 Laver large basin or bowl used for washing the hands and feet; 40:10 sanctify consecrate to God; 40:11 his foot its stand; 40:20 staves poles with which to carry; 40:24 over against opposite.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Officials: Rep. Larry Kissell (NC) and Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (MD) • Country: South Africa (42.6 million) on the southern tip of the African continent • Major languages: Afrikaans and English • Religious freedom • 76% Christian; 1% Muslim; 1% Hindu; 15% Traditional; .5% Jewish; 6.5% None/Other (Baha'i, Jain, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Confucian) • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that our Savior was born (Luke 2:11).
Optional Reading: Mark 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Hosea 4:6
