16 Moses did everything God commanded. He did it all. 17 On the first day of the first month of the second year, The Dwelling was set up. 18 Moses set it up: He laid its bases, erected the frames, placed the crossbars, set the posts, 19 spread the tent over The Dwelling, and put the covering over the tent, just as God had commanded Moses. 20 He placed The Testimony in the Chest, inserted the poles for carrying the Chest, and placed the lid, the Atonement-Cover, on it. 21 He brought the Chest into The Dwelling and set up the curtain, screening off the Chest of The Testimony, just as God had commanded Moses. 22 He placed the Table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of The Dwelling, outside the curtain, 23 and arranged the Bread there before God, just as God had commanded him. 24 He placed the Lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the Table on the south side of The Dwelling 25 and set up the lamps before God, just as God had commanded him. 26 Moses placed the Gold Altar in the Tent of Meeting in front of the curtain 27 and burned fragrant incense on it, just as God had commanded him. 28 He placed the screen at the entrance to The Dwelling. 29 He set the Altar of Whole-Burnt-Offering at the door of The Dwelling, the Tent of Meeting, and offered up the Whole-Burnt-Offerings and the Grain-Offerings, just as God had commanded Moses. 30 He placed the Washbasin between the Tent of Meeting and the Altar, and filled it with water for washing. 31 Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and feet there. 32 When they entered the Tent of Meeting and when they served at the Altar, they washed, just as God had commanded Moses. 33 Finally, he erected the Courtyard all around The Dwelling and the Altar, and put up the screen for the Courtyard entrance. Moses finished the work.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 40:16-33

Commentary on Exodus 40:16-33

(Read Exodus 40:16-33)

When the tabernacle and the furniture of it were prepared, they did not put off rearing it till they came to Canaan; but, in obedience to the will of God, they set it up in the midst of their camp. Those who are unsettled in the world, must not think that this will excuse want of religion; as if it were enough to begin to serve God when they begin to be settled in the world. No; a tabernacle for God is very needful, even in a wilderness, especially as we may be in another world before we come to fix in this. And we may justly fear lest we should deceive ourselves with a form of godliness. The thought that so few entered Canaan, should warn young persons especially, not to put off the care of their souls.