Exodus 40:2

_ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH SHALT THOU SET UP THE TABERNACLE OF THE TENT OF THE CONGREGATION._ On the first day of the first month. From a careful consideration of the incidents recorded to have happened after the exodus (Exodus 12:2; Exodus 13:4; Exodus 19:1; Exodus 20:18; Exodus 34:28; etc.) it has been computed that the work of the tabernacle was commenced within six months after that emigration, and consequently, that other six months had been occupied in building it. We do not know how many or how few skilled artisans were employed on

Exodus 40:2._On the first day of the first month _I cannot at all approve of the opinion of those commentators who think that the tabernacle was only now set up. That it was already complete in all its parts before Moses went the second time into the Mount, we infer from the fact that the ark was then prepared in which the tables were deposited, as we shall see from the context. Besides, it has elsewhere (394) been shewn by sound arguments, as I think, that it was pitched without the camp in token of divorce, from the time that the people had made the calf. What, then, is the meaning of the setting-up which is now spoken of? I reply, that it is said to have been set up, when (395) it was brought back from its strange to its proper place. For then it was both anointed and honored by sacred oblations, whilst Aaron and

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....

Verse Exodus 40:2. _THE FIRST DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH_] It Is generally supposed that the Israelites began the work of the tabernacle about the _sixth month_ after they had left Egypt; and as the work was finished about the end of the first year of their exodus, (for it was set up the _first day_ of the _second year_,) that therefore they had spent about _six_ months in making it: so that the tabernacle was erected one year all but _fifteen_ days after they had left Egypt. Such a building, with such a profusion of _curious_ and _costly_ workmanship, was never got up in so short a time. But it was the work of the Lord, and the people did service as unto the Lord; for the people had a mind to work....

See Exodus 40:17....

EXPOSITION EXODUS 40:1 THE COMMAND TO SET UP THE TABERNACLE, AND ITS PERFORMANCE. All was now ready. Bezaleel and Aholiab had completed their task. The work for the tabernacle had been given in, and had been approved Moses did not however at once set it up. He waited for a command from God. After a short interval, the command came. He was ordered to select the first day of the ensuing year—the first day of the first year of freedom—for the operation. Directions were given him, which fixed the order in which the various parts were to be set up, and assigned to the various articles of furniture their proper places ...

ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE FIRST MONTH,.... Which was the month Nisan, as the Targum of Jonathan expresses it; which was the month the children of Israel came out of Egypt, out of which they had now been a whole year, excepting fourteen days: SHALT THOU SET UP THE TABERNACLE OF THE TENT OF THE CONGREGATION; the tabernacle, which had a tent or covering over it, to which the people were gathered at times for religious service....

FIRST MONTH That is, April....

7. THE TABERNACLE SET UP, THE FINISHED WORK AND THE GLORY CHAPTER 40 _ 1. Jehovah gives the directions (Exodus 40:1)_ 2. Moses' obedience (Exodus 40:16) 3. The tabernacle set up (Exodus 40:17) 4. The ark brought in (Exodus 40:20) 5. The furniture placed and the offerings brought (Exodus 40:22) 6. The laver and the court (Exodus 40:30) 7. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle ...

XL. P S. THE ERECTION OF THE TENT. After a further summary of instructions mostly given before (Exodus 40:1), and involving the very latest developments (_cf._ the anointing of the assistant priests in Exodus 40:15), the actual erection is described _in_ Exodus 40:16, Moses himself inaugurating the ceremonial of worship (Exodus 40:23; Exodus 40:25; Exodus 40:27; Exodus 40:29). Bo