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 . 9 "Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and shall consecrate it and all its furnishings ; and it shall be holy . 10 "You shall anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils , and consecrate the altar , and the altar shall be most holy . 11 "You shall anoint the laver and its stand , and consecrate it. 12 "Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the doorway of the tent of meeting and wash them with water . 13 " You shall put the holy garments on Aaron and anoint him and consecrate him, that he may minister as a priest to Me.
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.