The Setting Up of the Tabernacle

401 Then the Lord spoke to Moses , saying , 2 " On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting . 3 " You shall place the ark of the testimony there , and you shall screen the ark with the veil . 4 "You shall bring in the table and arrange what belongs on it; and you shall bring in the lampstand and mount its lamps . 5 "Moreover, you shall set the gold altar of incense before the ark of the testimony , and set up the veil for the doorway to the tabernacle . 6 "You shall set the altar of burnt offering in front of the doorway of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting . 7 "You shall set the laver between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it. 8 "You shall set up the court all around and hang up the veil for the gateway of the court .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 40:1-8

Commentary on Exodus 40:1-15

(Read Exodus 40:1-15)

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.