Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

EXODUS 39:32KJV
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Exodus 39:32 (KJV)

What does Exodus 39:32 mean?

Exodus 39:32 states that the Israelites completed all the work for the tabernacle, just as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they did everything according to those instructions. The verse highlights that the people followed God's directions exactly in building the tabernacle, which was the special tent where they would meet with God.

The setting is at the end of the Israelites’ work on the tabernacle in the wilderness, after God gave Moses detailed instructions on Mount Sinai. This verse acts as a summary statement, confirming that the people finished the construction and assembly of the tabernacle and its furnishings, and that they did so in full obedience to what God had told Moses.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 39:32

  • "Tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan) refers to the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites. The word emphasizes the idea of a dwelling place, not just a tent.
  • "Tent" (אֹהֶל, ohel) is a more general word for a tent, highlighting the tabernacle's structure as a movable dwelling.
  • "Congregation" (מוֹעֵד, mo'ed) means an appointed meeting or assembly, underlining that the tabernacle was the place where the people gathered to meet with God at set times.
  • "Finished" (כָּלָה, kalah) means to bring to completion or to accomplish. This word stresses that the work was fully completed, nothing left undone.

Why Exodus 39:32 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt about whether the Israelites followed God's instructions exactly; it confirms their careful obedience.
  • Exodus 39:32 serves as a turning point, moving from the work of building to the next steps of dedication and use of the tabernacle.
  • The verse connects the detailed instructions given earlier in Exodus with their faithful execution, showing the importance of following God's guidance precisely.

Where else these words appear

“work” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
  • 1 Chronicles 23:26 And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:18 And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?