Exodus 40:1

Introduction

Moses is commanded to set up the tabernacle, the first day of the first month of the second year of their departure from Egypt, Exo 40:1, Exo 40:2. The ark to be put into it, Exo 40:3. The table and candlestick to be brought in also with the golden altar, Exo 40:4, Exo 40:5. The altar of burnt-offering to be set up before the door, and the laver between the tent and the altar, Exo 40:6, Exo 40:7. The court to be set up, Exo 40:8. The tabernacle and its utensils to be anointed, Exo 40:9-11. Aaron and his sons to be washed, clothed, and anointed, Exo 40:12-15. All these things are done accordingly, Exo 40:16. The tabernacle is erected; and all its utensils, etc., placed in it on the first of the first month of the second year, vv. 17-33. The cloud covers the tent, and the glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle, so that even Moses is not able to enter, Exo 40:34, Exo 40:35. When they were to journey, the cloud was taken up; when to encamp, the cloud rested on the tabernacle, Exo 40:36, Exo 40:37. A cloud by day and a fire by night was upon the tabernacle, in the sight of all the Israelites, through the whole course of the journeyings, Exo 40:38.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

When a new year begins, we should seek to serve God better than the year before. In half a year the tabernacle was completed. When the hearts of numbers are earnest in a good cause, much may be done in a short time; and when the commandments of God are continually attended to, as the rule of working, all will be done well. The high-priesthood was in the family of Aaron till Christ came, and in Him, the substance of all these shadows, it continues for ever.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain