Overview of Exodus 38–40 (KJV)

Exodus 38 – The Altar, Laver, and Court

• The brazen altar was constructed for burnt offerings, made of shittim wood overlaid with brass. It had horns on each corner, and all its utensils (pans, shovels, basins, fleshhooks, and firepans) were of brass.

• The laver of brass was made from the mirrors of the women who assembled at the tabernacle. It was placed for the priests to wash before ministering.

• The court of the tabernacle was enclosed with fine twined linen hangings, with pillars and sockets of brass and hooks of silver.

• The chapter closes with a detailed accounting of the gold, silver, and brass used for the sanctuary, showing the order and stewardship in God’s work.

Exodus 39 – The Priestly Garments

• Skilled craftsmen made the holy garments for Aaron and his sons:

  • The ephod, with shoulder pieces and an onyx stone engraved with the names of the tribes.

  • The breastplate of judgment, with twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • The robe of the ephod, woven of blue, with pomegranates and golden bells on its hem.

  • The mitre (turban) and golden plate inscribed “Holiness to the LORD.”

• Every part was made “as the LORD commanded Moses.” The chapter emphasizes obedience in following God’s pattern exactly.

Exodus 40 – The Tabernacle Erected and Filled

• The LORD instructed Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month.

• Moses erected the tabernacle, placed the ark, set up the veil, arranged the table of shewbread, lampstand, altar of incense, and brazen altar.

• Aaron and his sons were washed, clothed in priestly garments, and anointed for service.

• When all was finished, the cloud covered the tabernacle, and the glory of the LORD filled it. Moses could not enter because of the overwhelming presence of God.

• From that time on, the cloud guided Israel—when it lifted, they journeyed; when it stayed, they remained.

? Key Themes

• Obedience to God’s pattern — Every detail was followed “as the LORD commanded.”

• Holiness in worship — Priestly garments, washings, and sacrifices all pointed to purity before God.

• God’s presence — The glory of the LORD dwelling in the tabernacle confirmed His nearness to His people.

• Order and stewardship — Careful accounting of materials shows accountability in the work of God.