Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.
Moses waited for express command before setting up the tabernacle, though everything was ready and the people eager. The timing, the first day of the first month, teaches us to begin each year with intentional service to God, and not to delay necessary work under pretence of waiting for some special season. Let the things of His kingdom be sought first.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 40:1-15
And thou shall set the altar of the burnt offering,.... Where the sacrifices of the people were to be brought, and offered up by the priests; and this was to be set up in the open court, as it was proper it should, both because of the smell and smoke of the sacrifices: before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation...
The altar of burnt-offering is called most holy not because it surpasses the dwelling in holiness, but because it stood in the court exposed to the people's touch, while the tabernacle's vessels admitted no layman. The distinction rests on exposure and access, not on degree of consecration itself.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 40:1-16