And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil.
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 put therein the ark of the testimony,.... The ark or chest where the law was, a testimony of the divine will, and which was to be put into the most holy place of the tabernacle: and cover the ark with the vail; not with the propitiatory or mercy seat, as the Targum of Jonathan; for though that was a covering or lid...
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