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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֞י
H1961
וַיְהִ֞י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָֽרִאשׁ֛וֹן
And it came to pass in the first
H7223
הָֽרִאשׁ֛וֹן
And it came to pass in the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
3 of 9
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
in the second
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
in the second
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
בְּאֶחָ֣ד
on the first
H259
בְּאֶחָ֣ד
on the first
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
Historical Context
The date's precision (first day of first month, second year) demonstrates God's sovereignty over redemptive history's timeline. The first month (Abib/Nisan) remained Israel's sacred calendar beginning, commemorating Exodus. The tabernacle's completion within one year showed remarkable diligence despite the golden calf interruption.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God specifying the exact date for tabernacle erection teach about His sovereignty over history?
- How does the 'first day' dedication parallel Christ's resurrection inauguration of the new covenant era?
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Analysis & Commentary
The tabernacle's erection 'on the first day of the first month in the second year' marks a new epoch. The specific date (יוֹם הַחֹדֶשׁ הָרִאשׁוֹן, yom hachodesh harishon) nearly one year after Sinai (Exodus 19:1) teaches that God's dwelling among His people follows redemption (Passover, first month) and revelation (law giving). The timing demonstrates divine patience—after the golden calf interruption (ch 32), grace restored covenant relationship. This 'first day' inauguration prefigures Christ's resurrection inaugurating the new covenant on 'the first day of the week' (John 20:1).