Where Are We? — Exodus 38–40 (Daily Reading)

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Time & Place

  • Time: 1491 BC
  • Location: Wilderness of Sinai (camp at Mount Sinai)
  • Setting: Tabernacle work is completed, erected, and occupied by the LORD’s glory (Exod 19:1–2; 35–40)

Where Are We in the Text?

  • The remaining tabernacle components are completed, including the altar of burnt offering, laver, and court (Exod 38:1–20).
  • The accounting of metals used for the sanctuary is recorded (Exod 38:21–31).
  • Priestly garments are completed and the work is reviewed as done according to command (Exod 39:1–43).
  • The tabernacle is erected, furnished, and anointed according to instruction (Exod 40:1–33).
  • The cloud and the glory of the LORD fill the tabernacle and govern Israel’s movement (Exod 40:34–38).

Where Are We in Time?

  • These chapters occur after covenant restoration and the start of tabernacle construction (Exod 34–35).
  • The tabernacle is erected on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Exodus (Exod 40:2, 17; 12:2).
  • Israel remains encamped at Sinai until the cloud directs movement (Exod 19:2; 40:36–37).

Where Are We on the Map?

  • Israelite camp at Mount Sinai: Location of construction, assembly, and erection of the tabernacle (Exod 19:2; 40:17).
  • No geographical movement occurs in these chapters; the change is administrative and covenantal (Exod 40:33–38).

Where Are We in God’s Program? (Dispensational)

  • The tabernacle is completed and becomes the authorized center of worship under the Mosaic economy (Exod 25:8–9; 40:1–2).
  • The Aaronic ministry and sanctuary system are now positioned for operation (Exod 28–29; 39:1–43).
  • God formally takes up dwelling among Israel in manifested presence (Exod 40:34–38).

Why This Matters

  • Israel’s obedience to the revealed pattern is documented and affirmed (Exod 39:42–43; 40:16).
  • God’s presence among His redeemed people is visibly established at the sanctuary (Exod 40:34–35).
  • National guidance is now tied to the LORD’s governing presence by the cloud (Exod 40:36–38).

How This Reading Relates to What Follows

  • Israel’s wilderness journey will proceed by stages according to the cloud’s movement (Num 9:15–23; Exod 40:36–38).
  • The tabernacle will function as the center of worship and administration for the nation (Lev 1:1; Exod 40:35).

Summary Orientation

  • The tabernacle is finished, accounted for, and inspected (Exod 38:21–31; 39:42–43).
  • The sanctuary is erected and prepared for service (Exod 40:1–33).
  • The LORD’s glory fills the tabernacle, and His presence directs Israel from this point forward (Exod 40:34–38).
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