Exodus 40:2
On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
Original Language Analysis
בְּיוֹם
day
H3117
בְּיוֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הָֽרִאשׁ֖וֹן
On the first
H7223
הָֽרִאשׁ֖וֹן
On the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
3 of 10
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
בְּאֶחָ֣ד
of the first
H259
בְּאֶחָ֣ד
of the first
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
תָּקִ֕ים
shalt thou set up
H6965
תָּקִ֕ים
shalt thou set up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
6 of 10
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁכַּ֖ן
the tabernacle
H4908
מִשְׁכַּ֖ן
the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
8 of 10
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
Cross References
Exodus 13:4This day came ye out in the month Abib.Exodus 26:30And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.Numbers 1:1And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,Numbers 7:1And 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;
Historical Context
The first month's first day marked the anniversary month (not exact day) of Israel's Exodus from Egypt. This deliberate timing connected the tabernacle's completion to redemption—God's dwelling among His people flows from His saving work. The precision demonstrates God's sovereignty over history's calendar.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God specifying the exact dedication date teach about His sovereignty over redemptive history?
- How does the tabernacle's 'first day of first month' dedication parallel Christ's new covenant inauguration?
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Analysis & Commentary
God commands Moses to erect the tabernacle 'on the first day of the first month' (בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ הָרִאשׁוֹן, be'echad laChodesh haRishon). This date marks a new beginning—the first month (Abib/Nisan) is Israel's redemption month (Exodus 12:2), and the first day signifies inauguration. Nearly one year after Exodus (19:1), the tabernacle's erection signals covenant completion. The specific date teaches that God orders redemptive history precisely; nothing is random. This 'new year' dedication prefigures Christ's resurrection establishing the new covenant (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:15).