Christmas · The Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Day)
Exodus 40:17-21, 34-38
Setting Up the Tabernacle
December 25, 2025
Overview & Insights
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34)
In Exodus 40 (v. 34), “the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” for the first time. As Moses set up the tabernacle, in accordance with the Lord’ instructions, God fulfilled the original intention to deliver and dwell with this chosen people. The outline of the chapter follows a chiastic structure:
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Commentary
Exodus 40 - Setting Up the Tabernacle Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's evangelical commentary on erecting the tabernacle and the glory that fills it.
Exodus 40 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse-by-verse study gathering many commentators on Exodus 40.
Exodus 40:17 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic cross-tradition commentary set on the raising of the tabernacle.
Exodus 40 - The Pulpit Commentary StudyLight
The classic Pulpit Commentary on the completed tabernacle and the descending cloud of glory.
Background & Word Study
Exodus - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on Exodus and the tabernacle narrative.
Exodus 40 Sefaria
Hebrew text with classical Jewish commentary on the tabernacle's completion.
Exodus 40:17 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew-English interlinear for word study of 'tabernacle' and 'glory'.
Exodus 19-40 Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of the covenant and tabernacle section of Exodus.
Questions preachers ask
Why read the tabernacle account at Christmas?
When the tabernacle is finished, God's glory comes to dwell in the midst of his people, a foreshadowing of the Word who would tabernacle among us in the flesh.
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