And you shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up the screen for the door of the tabernacle.
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 shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony,.... Not in the most holy place where the ark was, but over against it in the holy place: and put the hanging of the door of the tabernacle; the door of entrance into the holy place, where there were to be no other things set but those now...
And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle. (b) That is, the altar of perfume, or to burn incense on. (c) This hanging or veil was between the sanctuary and the court.