Exodus 40:17-33 meaning

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These verses record the actual assembly of the tabernacle as the LORD commanded in verses 1 – 16. It began with the tabernacle itself, and then its furnishings were put in place. The altars were erected along with the laver. Then the curtains that comprised the walls of the courtyard were set up around the tabernacle.

So, it happened that in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected. This verse is practically identical to verse 2 of this chapter. The first month of the first year of the Exodus calendar was prescribed to begin in the month Israel left Egypt (Exodus 12:2). Therefore, since this is the first month of the second year, it means the assembly of the tabernacle took place one year since leaving Egypt.

Verses 18 - 33 record the tabernacle's assembly. The material is arranged in seven sections that end with the phrase "just as the Lord had commanded Moses."

Moses raised up the tabernacle (vv. 18 - 19).
Moses placed the ark and its adornments into the Holy of Holies (vv. 20 - 21).
Moses put the table of the bread of the Presence into the tabernacle and put bread on it (vv. 22 - 23).
Moses positioned the lampstand into the tabernacle opposite the table (vv. 24 - 25).
Moses put the altar of burnt offering into the courtyard (vv. 26 - 27).
Moses hung the curtain that was the entrance into the tabernacle and placed the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the courtyard (vv. 28 - 29).
Moses put the laver into the courtyard (vv. 30 - 32).

Finally, Moses erected the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the veil for the gateway of the court. With the courtyard completed, Moses finished the work.

To sum up, below is a rendering of the layout of the tabernacle:

Exodus 40:17

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