In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that this monumental erection happened on the first day of the first month of the second year, marking a new beginning. It wasn't just a tent being built; it was the official establishment of God's dwelling place among His people, signifying His renewed presence and commitment as they embarked on their journey.
In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After receiving detailed instructions for its construction, Moses and the Israelites have finally completed the Tabernacle and all its sacred furnishings. This verse marks the pivotal moment when Moses, acting precisely as God commanded, erects the entire structure, setting it up in the center of the camp. It signifies the tangible presence of God dwelling among His people as they begin their journey through the wilderness.
Why was this specific day, the first day of the first month in the second year, so significant for erecting the Tabernacle?
The date of the Tabernacle's erection, the first day of the first month (Nisan) in the second year after the Exodus, was incredibly symbolic. This day marked the beginning of a new year according to the religious calendar established by God. It was a deliberate and precise moment, exactly one year after the first Passover. This wasn't accidental; it signified a fresh start, the inauguration of God's dwelling place among His people as they embarked on their journey. It was the formal start of their new life as a nation with God at its center.
Moses didn't improvise; the Tabernacle's setup was a meticulous act of obedience. What does this teach us about following God's instructions?
The erection of the Tabernacle wasn't just about building a structure; it was the culmination of detailed divine instructions given over months. Moses, as the leader, meticulously followed every command for setting up the framework, hanging the coverings, placing the sacred furnishings, and arranging the altar and laver. This emphasizes that true worship and communion with God are built on His specific directives, not human preference. It shows that 'as the Lord commanded Moses' was the ultimate standard, reflecting a profound reverence for God's will.
The Tabernacle wasn't just a building; it was God's 'Dwelling.' What does this intimate connection mean for us?
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The Hebrew word translated as 'Tabernacle' here often carries the sense of 'Dwelling' or 'Presence.' This was God's chosen way to reside, in a tangible, visible way, right in the midst of His people. It wasn't a distant God on a far-off mountain, but One who pitched His tent among them, a constant reminder of His presence, His holiness, and His covenant faithfulness. This was a revolutionary concept, demonstrating God's desire for relationship and fellowship with humanity, even amidst their imperfections and wilderness journey.
Understand the original words
mishkan · Hebrew Noun
A portable sanctuary where the presence of God dwelt among His people; it symbolized God's holiness and His desire to dwell with humanity.
This passage immediately follows the erection of the Tabernacle, showing that its purpose was to be the place where God would meet with His people and hear their prayers.
Numbers 7:1This verse marks the completion of the Tabernacle's erection and consecration, highlighting the importance of this event as a new beginning for Israel's worship and journey.
John 1:14This New Testament passage echoes the idea of God's dwelling place, stating that 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,' drawing a profound parallel between the physical Tabernacle and the Incarnation of Jesus.
Hebrews 8:5This verse speaks to the Tabernacle as a 'copy and shadow of the heavenly things,' emphasizing its role as a symbolic representation of God's presence and a preview of Christ's heavenly ministry.
Ezekiel 37:27This prophetic passage looks forward to a future dwelling place of God, 'my dwelling place shall be with them,' offering a glimpse of the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence among His people, which the Tabernacle foreshadowed.
cambridgeExodus 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."
17 . the tabernacle ] the Dwelling. So vv. 18, 19, 21, &c. 17–33 . Moses sets up the Tent of Meeting , and the Court, and arranges the sacred vessels according to the instructions given in vv. 1–8, or (in some cases) in chs. 25–31 only. He also ( vv. 23, 25, 27, 29) begins the daily services.
pulpitExodus 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."
Verses 17-33. - The actual setting up of the tabernacle. Verse 17. - On the first day the tabernacle was reared up. Being constructed after the fashion of a tent, it was quite possible to rear up and also to take down, the tabernacle in less than a day.
The text highlights that this monumental erection happened on the first day of the first month of the second year, marking a new beginning. It wasn't just a tent being built; it was the official establishment of God's dwelling place among His people, signifying His renewed presence and commitment as they embarked on their journey.
After receiving detailed instructions for its construction, Moses and the Israelites have finally completed the Tabernacle and all its sacred furnishings. This verse marks the pivotal moment when Moses, acting precisely as God commanded, erects the entire structure, setting it up in the center of the camp. It signifies the tangible presence of God dwelling among His people as they begin their journey through the wilderness.
After receiving detailed instructions for its construction, Moses and the Israelites have finally completed the Tabernacle and all its sacred furnishings. This verse marks the pivotal moment when Moses, acting precisely as God commanded, erects the entire structure, setting it up in the center of the camp. It signifies the tangible presence of God dwelling among His people as they begin their journey through the wilderness.
"In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected." — The text highlights that this monumental erection happened on the first day of the first month of the second year, marking a new beginning. It wasn't just a tent being built; it was the official…
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Last reviewed October 2026