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.

EXODUS 40:18KJV
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Exodus 40:18 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:18 mean?

Exodus 40:18 describes how Moses physically set up the tabernacle, putting together its main structure by assembling its parts as instructed. This verse highlights Moses’ careful work in putting up the framework, securing the bases, setting the boards and bars, and raising the pillars.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is following God’s detailed instructions to set up the tabernacle, which was a special tent where the Israelites would worship during their journey in the wilderness. The verse gives a step-by-step account of Moses’ actions, showing his obedience and attention to the construction of this sacred space.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:18

  • The word for "tabernacle" is מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan), which means "dwelling place" or "sanctuary." This emphasizes that the tabernacle was meant to be a place where God’s presence would dwell among the people.
  • The verb translated "reared up" is קוּם (qum), meaning "to raise" or "to set up." The repeated use of this word in the verse underlines the active process of assembling and erecting the structure, not just placing it on the ground.
  • "Sockets" comes from אֶדֶן (eden), referring to the bases or foundation pieces that supported the boards. This detail points to the stability and careful construction required for the tabernacle.
  • "Boards" is קֶרֶשׁ (qeresh), meaning the upright planks that formed the walls. Including this word shows the tabernacle was a sturdy, framed structure, not just a simple tent.

Why Exodus 40:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tabernacle was not a vague or mystical structure, but a real, physical building assembled with skill and care, following precise instructions.
  • Exodus 40:18 shows Moses’ role as a faithful leader who personally ensured the tabernacle was built exactly as God commanded, highlighting the importance of obedience in worship.
  • The detailed description connects this verse to the earlier chapters in Exodus that gave step-by-step instructions, showing the fulfillment of God’s plan and the completion of a significant project for the Israelites.

Where else these words appear

“boards” Hebrew H7175 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 26:15 And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
  • Exodus 26:27 And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
  • Exodus 36:27 And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.

“bars” Hebrew H1280 · used in 37 verses

  • Exodus 26:26 And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
  • Deuteronomy 3:5 All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.
  • Psalms 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

“sockets” Hebrew H134 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 26:19 And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.
  • Exodus 27:18 The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass.
  • Exodus 38:17 And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

“pillars” Hebrew H5982 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
  • Exodus 39:33 And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,
  • 2 Kings 25:13 And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.