On what date was the tabernacle to be set up in Exodus 40?
Exodus 40:1-2 specifies the tabernacle was to be erected on the first day of the first month, which the lesson identifies as April. This occurred in the next year after Israel left Egypt, during the first twelve-month period at Sinai.
Les explains that Exodus 40 opens with the Lord speaking to Moses, instructing him to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month, which was April. This was still within the first twelve-month period after Israel left Egypt, while they were gathered around Sinai. The people had brought the gold, silver, linen, and beautiful clothing—materials they obtained when they spoiled Egypt—and craftsmen had put everything together so the tabernacle was ready to be erected. On that date, Moses was to set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, place the ark of the testimony inside, and cover the ark with the veil. Les then directs attention down to verse 33, where the court—the linen wall—was reared up, showing that everything was made functional and all the furnishings were in place.
On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
More Questions
Why was the tabernacle in Exodus 40 set up on the first day of the first month of the next year?
Israel came out of Egypt on the night of Passover in the first month, so the tabernacle setup in Exodus 40 was on the first day of the first month of the next year.