Translation: ESV
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
All of God's work must be grounded in God's direct word and instruction.
▸God's instructions for the final stage of erecting the tabernacle begin.
God's instructions for the final stage of erecting the tabernacle begin. The last chapter of Exodus records not merely the construction of the tabernacle but the process by which it is set up according to God's command, with all its furnishings arranged and consecrated.
Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy.
Ministry and instruments for God become holy through God's consecration, and this is the preparation for true worship.
▸The act of anointing the tabernacle and all its furnishings with oil is a rite of consecration—setting them apart from ordinary use and dedicating them to holy purposes for God.
In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected.
God's work is accomplished at the precise time appointed, and the completion of the tabernacle marks the beginning of a new era in which God and his people dwell together.
▸The exact date on which the tabernacle was completed and erected is recorded.
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
The purpose of all God's work is God dwelling among his people, and this is the ultimate goal of redemptive history.
▸This is the climax and conclusion of Exodus.
And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Before God's full glory humanity cannot stand, but through Christ's atonement we can draw near to God with confidence.
▸God's glory was so full that even Moses could not enter.
For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
God accompanies his people throughout all their journeys, guiding by day and protecting by night—a faithful companion who never departs.
▸This is the final verse of Exodus.