Exodus 40:17

And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first [day] of the month, [that] the tabernacle was reared up.

And it came to pass in the first {H7223} month {H2320} in the second {H8145} year {H8141}, on the first {H259} day of the month {H2320}, that the tabernacle {H4908} was reared up {H6965}.

On the first day of the first month of the second year, the tabernacle was set up.

So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year.

And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.

Commentary

Exodus 40:17 marks a pivotal moment in the history of ancient Israel: the completion and dedication of the Tabernacle. This verse precisely dates the event, underscoring its immense importance in Godโ€™s plan for His people.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites spent nearly a year at Mount Sinai. During this time, God gave Moses detailed blueprints for the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary designed to be His dwelling place among them (Exodus 25:8). This verse indicates that exactly one year after the Exodus, on the first day of the first month of the second year, the intricate work was complete, and the Tabernacle was "reared up" or erected. This monumental achievement symbolized the fulfillment of Godโ€™s promise to reside with His people in the wilderness journey.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence: The primary purpose of the Tabernacle was to provide a physical manifestation of God's presence among the Israelites. Its erection signified that God was indeed living among His chosen people, guiding and protecting them (Exodus 40:34-35).
  • Obedience and Fulfillment: This verse highlights Israel's diligent and faithful obedience to God's exact and extensive instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The successful completion of the Tabernacle demonstrated their commitment to God's commands.
  • A New Beginning: The Tabernacle's setup marked a new phase in Israel's relationship with God. It established the central place for worship, sacrifice, and communion, setting the stage for the laws and rituals detailed in the book of Leviticus.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "reared up" comes from the Hebrew word heqim (ื”ึตืงึดื™ื), which means to establish, set up, or cause to stand. It implies not just assembling parts, but firmly establishing something for its intended purpose and duration. This wasn't a temporary tent; it was a permanent (though portable) structure for God's enduring presence among His people.

Significance and Application

The Tabernacle served as a profound foreshadowing of God's greater plan. It pointed forward to the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity:

This verse reminds us of God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire to be intimately present with His people, a truth that echoes from the wilderness Tabernacle to the eternal kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 7:1

    ยถ And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;

  • Numbers 9:1

    ยถ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

  • Exodus 40:1

    ยถ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Exodus 40:2

    On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
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