The Tabernacle Is Raised

On the first day of the first month in the second year, Moses was commanded to set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting (Exodus 40:2). He placed the ark of the testimony inside the tabernacle and hung the veil to cover it. The table was set in order outside the veil on the north side, and the lampstand was placed on the south side. Moses lighted the lamps before the Lord as he had been commanded (Exodus 40:25). The golden altar for incense was positioned before the veil, and the altar of burnt offering was set at the door of the tabernacle. The text does not say how long the physical labor of assembly took or if others assisted Moses in the lifting.

Moses placed the layer between the tent of meeting and the altar, putting water in it for washing. Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons used this water to wash their hands and their feet when they entered the tent or approached the altar (Exodus 40:31). Moses then reared up the court around the tabernacle and the altar and set up the hanging of the court gate. Through these actions, Moses finished the work as prescribed. While Bezalel is credited with the construction of the components in previous chapters, the text of Exodus 40 focuses on Moses performing the final assembly and arrangement.

Following the assembly, Moses brought Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle. He washed them with water and clothed Aaron in the holy garments. Moses anointed Aaron to sanctify him so that he could minister in the priest's office (Exodus 40:13). The sons of Aaron were also brought forward, clothed in tunics, and anointed so that their priesthood would be an everlasting possession throughout their generations. The text does not say what the physical reactions of the priests were during this ceremony.