“Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was completed; and the sons of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so they did,” (39:32).
Exodus 38 counted and numbered every item used for the construction of the tabernacle, and it appeared as though the work was complete. But not until after each article of the priestly garments was finished, is the pronouncement made. The work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was not considered complete without the priestly garments.
The word translated in Exodus 39:32 “was completed” is the same Hebrew word used in Genesis to describe God’s completed work in creation.
“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. 2 By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done,” (Genesis 2:1-2).
The tabernacle was to be God’s dwelling place among His people. “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. 9 According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it,” (Exodus 25:8-9).
God would provide His exact pattern and the skill and directions needed to construct His dwelling place; but without the mediation of the priest arrayed in priestly garments, the tabernacle would not be a suitable place for God’s presence. Before Holy God would make His dwelling among an unclean people, there must be atonement for sin offered by the mediator, clothed in His righteous array as Holy to the LORD, “just as the LORD commanded,” (39: 1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42, 43).
How do we respond to His Completion?
We must agree with what the Lord says about man’s condition and acknowledge we can never earn our way into His presence.
And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;” (Isaiah 64:6).
We must admit our sinful condition and our need for a Mediator.
We must accept His completed work on the cross as the only atonement for our sin.
“Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit,” (John 19:30).
“And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness,”(Hebrews 9:22).
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ,” (Galatians 3:26-27).
“…that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth,” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9).
“I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels,” (Isaiah 61:10).