Exodus 40

Read Exodus 40. Exodus 40 closes out the book with the actual assembly of the tabernacle, after many chapters-worth of instructions and preparations. The LORD spoke to Moses and commanded that the tabernacle be set up on the first day of the first month of the second year. He gave detailed instructions for the order of assembly: The ark of the testimony was to be placed inside and screened by the veil, the table was to be brought in with its arrangement of bread, the candlestick was to be set up with its lamps lit, and the golden altar of incense was to stand before the ark, with the hanging set up at the door. The altar of burnt offering was to be placed in front of the tabernacle entrance, and the laver was to be positioned between the tent of the congregation and the altar and then filled with water. Finally, the court was to be set up around the whole structure, with its hanging at the gate. Moses was also instructed to anoint the tabernacle and everything in it with holy anointing oil, consecrating the furnishings and vessels so that they would be holy. He was to anoint and sanctify the altar of burnt offering, making it most holy, and anoint the laver and its base as well. Aaron and his sons were to be brought to the door of the tabernacle, washed with water, clothed in the priestly garments, and anointed, consecrating them to serve as priests to the LORD. Moses then carried out every one of these instructions precisely as the LORD had commanded him. On the first day of the first month of the second year, the tabernacle was raised up. Moses set up the boards, sockets, bars, and pillars, spread the covering over the tent, and put everything in its designated place — the testimony in the ark, the staves on the ark, the mercy seat above it, the table with its bread, the candlestick with its lamps, the golden altar of incense, the hanging of the door, the altar of burnt offering with its offerings, the laver with water for washing, and the hangings of the court. In each case, Moses did as the LORD had commanded him. Moses then anointed and sanctified the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and he anointed and sanctified the altar and laver. Aaron and his sons were brought forward, washed, clothed in their garments, and anointed, so that Moses consecrated them for the priesthood just as the LORD had commanded. Once the tabernacle was completed, a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle so powerfully that Moses was unable to enter it. From that point on, the cloud served as a visible guide for the Israelites throughout their journeys. When the cloud lifted from the tabernacle, the people would set out on their travels; but, when it remained, they stayed in place. Exodus ends by stating that the cloud of the LORD rested on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, visible to the whole house of Israel throughout their journeys.