What does Exodus 40:2 mean?
ESV: "On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.
NIV: "Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month.
NASB: On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.
CSB: "You are to set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month.
NLT: Set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the new year.
KJV: On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
NKJV: “On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 40:1–33 records God's command for Israel to assemble the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) and all its components. God gave instructions about these to Moses (Exodus 25—31) and the Israelites followed them exactly (Exodus 35—39). Moses supervises as the entire design is put into place. The passage mirrors a pattern in Exodus, where God delivers instructions which are repeated in detail as they are obeyed.
Chapter Summary:
Moses assembles the tabernacle according to the instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). This process is careful and methodical. Moses also consecrates Aaron and his sons into a permanent, hereditary priesthood. When building and ceremonies are complete, God brings down a cloud as His glory fills the tabernacle building. This cloud will guide Israel as they move towards the Promised Land.
Chapter Context:
Israel has completed all components needed to assemble the tabernacle (Exodus 35—39). When the work is finished and everything is in place, God's glory comes down in a cloud that guides the nation. The story of Israel's wandering continues in the book of Numbers, while the book of Leviticus records copious details from God's conversations with Moses (Exodus 24:18).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
Accessed 9/15/2025 5:36:33 PM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
