Exodus 40 records the final step in building the tabernacle: Moses sets up every piece according to the pattern God gave, anoints the furnishings and priests, and the cloud of the LORD fills the finished tent. These questions are for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and they move from what the chapter says, to what it means, to how it shapes everyday life.
Exodus 40 at a Glance
The chapter opens with God’s instructions for the first day of the first month: assemble the tabernacle, place the ark, table, lampstand, incense altar, altar of burnt offering, and basin, and set up the courtyard. The middle section reports that Moses did exactly as commanded, piece by piece, and that the work was finished.
The chapter closes with God’s glory filling the tent so that Moses cannot enter, and with the cloud guiding Israel’s journeys. A leader can walk through the chapter in this order: instruction, obedience, completion, and presence.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first to slow the group down and notice the text itself. Ask one question at a time, let people read the verses aloud, and invite several answers before you add anything of your own.
Exodus 40:34-35
34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the LORD’s glory filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses wasn’t able to enter into the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and the LORD’s glory filled the tabernacle.
(WEB)
Read this passage to show the climax of the chapter, when the cloud and glory fill the finished tabernacle. It gives the group a concrete picture of God’s presence arriving in the space they have just heard described.
Exodus 40:16
Moses did so. According to all that the LORD commanded him, so he did.
(WEB)
This short verse captures the repeated theme of obedience in one sentence. Reading it aloud helps the group hear the emphasis that Moses followed God’s commands faithfully.
Exodus 40:9-11
9 “You shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is in it, and shall make it holy, and all its furniture: and it will be holy. 10 You shall anoint the altar of burnt offering, with all its vessels, and sanctify the altar: and the altar will be most holy. 11 You shall anoint the basin and its base, and sanctify it.
(WEB)
These verses describe the anointing of the tabernacle, its furniture, and the altar. Reading them together lets the group reflect on what it means for objects and spaces to be made holy for God.
Exodus 40:13-15
13 You shall put on Aaron the holy garments; and you shall anoint him, and sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office. 14 You shall bring his sons, and put coats on them. 15 You shall anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office. Their anointing shall be to them for an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.”
(WEB)
This passage explains how Aaron and his sons are prepared for priestly service. It gives the group a chance to discuss preparation, calling, and the lasting nature of God’s commission.
Exodus 40:36-38
36 When the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward, throughout all their journeys; 37 but if the cloud wasn’t taken up, then they didn’t travel until the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
(WEB)
Ending with these verses shows how the cloud guided Israel through every journey. Reading it aloud reminds the group that God’s presence was not a single event but an ongoing guide.
Memory Verse for Exodus 40
Exodus 40:34
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the LORD’s glory filled the tabernacle.
(WEB)
Memorizing this verse helps people carry the picture of God’s glory filling a space dedicated to Him. It is a short, vivid sentence that can be recalled in prayer, worship, or times of uncertainty.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank You that You are a God who draws near and fills the places given to You. Thank You for the careful instructions You gave Moses and for the way Your people obeyed with faithful hearts. Help us to follow You closely in the ordinary details of our lives, and to set apart our time, our homes, and our work for Your purposes. When Your presence feels overwhelming or hard to understand, give us reverence and rest. Lead us as You led Israel, and let us wait on You with patience. Amen.
