Definition: And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that [is] therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 40:9. It’s a really important part of God's plan for the Israelite people during their time in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying: “You are giving me a special, holy space to worship with.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “And thou shalt take the anointing oil…” – This refers to a special oil used to bless and sanctify things. It's like a ritual prayer or blessing. “…and anoint the tabernacle…” - The tabernacle is God’s dwelling place in Israel, a portable temple made of skins and materials. Anointing it means covering it with this special oil. “And all that [is] therein…” – This is a little more figurative. It means everything inside the tabernacle – the holy artifacts, the priests, the altar, everything – must be treated as sacred and holy. “…and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof:” - "Hallowing" means making something holy, special, and worthy of God's presence. “All the vessels” refers to everything inside the tabernacle. So, every single piece – from the altar to the cords – needs to be treated with reverence. “And it shall be holy.” - This is the core message. It’s saying that this space, filled with God's presence and holiness, will become holy. Why was this important? The verse emphasizes that God wants a constant, visible reminder of his presence and power. By anointing and hallowing the tabernacle, God is saying: "I am in charge of this space, and I want it to be a place where you can experience my holiness.” It’s a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty and his desire for connection with his people. In short, it’s about making something holy – a sacred space – dedicated to God. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps talk about its significance within the larger context of the Old Testament?