2 On the day of the first month, on the first of the month, shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 3 And thou shalt put in it the ark of the testimony, and shalt cover the ark with the veil. 4 And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it. And thou shalt bring in the candlestick and light its lamps. 5 And thou shalt set the golden altar for the incense before the ark of the testimony; and hang up the curtain of the entrance to the tabernacle. 6 And thou shalt set the altar of burnt-offering before the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 7 And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of meeting and the altar, and shalt put water in it. 8 And thou shalt fix the court round about, and hang up the curtain at the gate of the court. 9 And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is in it, and shalt hallow it, and all its utensils; and it shall be holy. 10 And thou shalt anoint the altar of burnt-offering, and all its utensils; and thou shalt hallow the altar, and the altar shall be most holy. 11 And thou shalt anoint the laver and its stand, and hallow it. 12 And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons near, at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and bathe them with water. 13 And thou shalt clothe Aaron with the holy garments, and anoint him, and hallow him, that he may serve me as priest.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 40:2-13

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.