Why is the date of the Tabernacle's erection so precisely stated in Exodus 40:17?

The precise dating—"the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month"—is highly significant for several reasons. First, it marks exactly one year since the Exodus from Egypt, which occurred in the first month of the first year (Exodus 12:2). This anniversary emphasizes the continuity of God's redemptive plan and His faithfulness in bringing His people from slavery to a settled, covenant relationship with Him, symbolized by His dwelling among them. Second, it highlights the completion of a major phase of God's instructions given at Mount Sinai, signifying that the Israelites had diligently obeyed all His commands regarding the Tabernacle's construction. This chronological marker underscores the divine order and timing in God's unfolding plan for Israel, emphasizing His sovereignty over history.

What was the primary purpose of the Tabernacle, and how did its erection fulfill that purpose?

The primary purpose of the Tabernacle, as explicitly stated by God in Exodus 25:8, was for Him to "dwell among" His people. Its erection in Exodus 40:17 fulfilled this purpose by providing a tangible, physical manifestation of God's holy presence in the very midst of Israel's wilderness camp. It was designed as a portable sanctuary where God would meet with Moses and the priests, where sacrifices for atonement could be offered, and where the divine glory would visibly reside (Exodus 40:34-35). The Tabernacle served as the central point of Israel's worship, identity, and their unique relationship with Yahweh, allowing a holy God to dwell among a sinful people through prescribed means of access and atonement, thereby making fellowship possible.

40:16 40:16

Exodus 40:17

40:18 40:18

Bible Versions

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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Numbers 7:1

¶ 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

¶ 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

¶ 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.

Bible Versions

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