Exodus 39-40 | God’s Glory in Our Obedience

Episode Summary:

In this episode of No Dusty Bibles, we close out the book of Exodus with Exodus 39-40, where the Tabernacle is completed and God’s glory fills His dwelling place. After months of preparation and faithful obedience, the Israelites witness a powerful moment—the visible presence of God resting among them. This chapter reminds us that God’s presence is the goal, and through Jesus, we are now His dwelling place. As we wrap up Exodus, we reflect on how God faithfully leads, rescues, and desires to be near His people, both then and now.

Key Highlights from the Episode

Overview of the Passage:

• Exodus 39: The priestly garments are made exactly as God commanded, including the ephod, breastpiece, and robe, each symbolizing Israel’s spiritual leadership and intercession.
• Exodus 40: The Tabernacle is assembled, and every piece—the Ark of the Covenant, the lampstand, the altar—is placed in its designated space.
• God’s Glory Descends: Once everything is completed in obedience, God’s presence visibly fills the Tabernacle, a clear sign of His approval and nearness.

Key Themes or Lessons:

1. Obedience Prepares the Way for God’s Presence – The Israelites followed every instruction carefully, and the result was God dwelling among them (Exodus 40:34-38). Our obedience makes room for more of His presence in our lives.
2. God Desires to Dwell with His People – The Tabernacle was not just about worship rituals; it was about relationship. Today, through Jesus, we have direct access to God (1 Corinthians 3:16).
3. Finishing Well Matters – The book of Exodus ends with completion. Following through on what God calls us to do brings His presence and power into our lives (Philippians 1:6).

Devotional Application: "Making Room for God’s Glory"

The final verses of Exodus give us a full-circle moment—God rescued His people, led them, provided for them, and now, He dwells with them.

What does this mean for us today?

• God’s presence is still the goal. More than blessings, miracles, or provision, what we truly need is Him.
• Obedience leads to intimacy. The Israelites followed God’s plan, and His glory filled their midst. When we follow His ways, we draw closer to Him.
• We are now His dwelling place. Through Jesus, we don’t need a Tabernacle—we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The question is, are we making space for Him in our lives?

Reflection Prompts:

1. Obedience and God’s Presence: The Israelites followed God’s instructions, and His glory filled the Tabernacle. Are there areas in your life where obedience is making room for more of God’s presence?
2. Experiencing God’s Nearness: The Tabernacle was a sign of God’s desire to be with His people. Do you recognize God’s nearness in your daily life? How can you cultivate more awareness of His presence?
3. Finishing What God Calls Us To: Exodus ends with the completion of the Tabernacle. Is there something God has called you to do that you need to follow through on? How can you take the next step in faithfulness?

Conclusion to the Book of Exodus

As we wrap up Exodus, let’s reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout this book.

We began with a people in slavery, crying out for deliverance—we end with a free people, worshiping a God who now dwells among them.

This book has shown us that God is:
✅ Our Rescuer
✅ Our Provider
✅ Our Guide
✅ Our Dwelling Place

Whether you are in a season of struggle, waiting, or fulfillment, know this: God is with you every step of the way.

Looking Ahead to Leviticus

Next week, we’ll step into Leviticus, where we’ll explore:

• God’s instructions for worship, sacrifices, and holiness
• How these laws point us to Jesus, our ultimate High Priest
• What it means to live in a relationship with a holy God

This next part of our journey through Scripture will deepen our understanding of God’s holiness and His desire for us to walk closely with Him.

Final Encouragement:

Thank you for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps others discover the truth of God’s Word.

And remember: God’s presence is our greatest treasure. Let’s walk in obedience and make space for Him every day.

Until next time, keep your Bibles open and your faith strong. See you next week!

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Thank you for joining us for this episode of the No Dusty Bibles Podcast. Remember, every page turned in the Bible is a step closer to understanding the heart of God. We're here to journey with you, one chapter at a time.

Acknowledgment

In our daily readings, we are grateful to utilize the World English Bible (WEB) translation, a resource committed to making the words of Scripture accessible to all. The WEB is in the public domain, allowing it to be freely used and shared. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the contributors and supporters of the World English Bible for their dedication to making this valuable translation available to the public. Their work enables us to explore and share the Bible's teachings with everyone, furthering our mission to make the Bible accessible and available for every woman.