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 39:32KJVWhat 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.