Exodus 40:1-16
Set Up the Tabernacle
Read the passage
1Then the LORD said to Moses,
2“On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.
3Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.
4Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps.
5Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.
6Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.
7And place the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it.
8Set up the surrounding courtyard and hang the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard.
9Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it along with all its furnishings, and it shall be holy.
10Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it shall be most holy.
11Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them.
12Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.
13And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest.
14Bring his sons forward and clothe them with tunics.
15Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.”
16Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
The LORD tells Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month. Moses is to place the ark of the testimony inside, screen it with the veil, bring in the table, arrange its setting, bring in the lampstand, and set up its lamps.
He is to place the golden altar of incense before the ark, hang the screen at the entrance, and put the bronze altar before the entrance. The basin is to be placed between the tent and the altar, with water in it. The court is to be set up around the dwelling and altar, and the screen hung at the court's gate.
Moses is to take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it. The tabernacle and its furnishings are to be holy, and the altar of burnt offering is called most holy. Aaron and his sons are to be brought to the entrance, washed with water, clothed, and anointed for service.
Moses does everything as the LORD commands him. The sanctuary is not assembled according to convenience or personal taste. Its arrangement teaches Israel how to approach God and how to order shared worship.
The chapter moves from completed objects to a living place of meeting. Preparation, placement, cleansing, and consecration all matter before the glory fills the dwelling.
How We Know
Hebrews 9:1–12 names the lampstand, table, sacred bread, and ark as it describes the old covenant sanctuary. It then explains Christ's greater priestly ministry and His entry through His own blood. This is a specific biblical connection showing how the sanctuary instructions contribute to the New Testament's explanation of Christ. It is not independent archaeological evidence for the tabernacle.
Questions
1 When does God tell Moses to set up the tabernacle?
AnswerOn the first day of the first month. God gives a definite time and instructions for arranging and consecrating the place of meeting.
2 Where are the ark, bronze altar, and basin to go?
AnswerThe ark is screened by the veil inside. The altar of burnt offering stands before the entrance, and the water-filled basin goes between the altar and the tent.
3 How are Aaron and his sons prepared for service?
AnswerThey are brought to the tent entrance, washed, clothed, and anointed. Their service begins with the preparation God commands, not simply with their decision to become priests.
4 What does careful preparation for worship look like in a family?
AnswerChoose a workable time, have the passage ready, and help everyone participate as they are able. These preparations serve our attention to God; they do not earn His presence.
What This Means for Us
Moses' obedience is detailed rather than dramatic. He places, arranges, washes, clothes, anoints, and sets up. Faithfulness often looks like carrying out a clear responsibility carefully after the exciting vision has been given.
The tabernacle is consecrated for God's presence, not for the prestige of its builders. Likewise, a family or church should measure its worship by faithfulness and care rather than by how impressive the setting appears.
Preparation can also protect people. Clear roles, clean spaces, appropriate training, and honest expectations make service safer and more welcoming.
Prayer
Holy God, teach us to prepare for worship and service with care. Make our spaces welcoming, our leaders humble, and our household attentive to the details that help people approach you safely and faithfully. Amen.