Exodus 40 Commentary

The LORD commands Moses to set up the tabernacle. All of its components have now been built, so Moses assembles them.

These verses record the actual assembly of the tabernacle as the LORD commanded in verses 1 – 16. It began with the tabernacle itself, and then its furnishings were put in place. The altars were erected along with the laver. Then the curtains that comprised the walls of the courtyard were set up around the tabernacle.

Now that the tabernacle had been erected, the LORD came to dwell amongst His people. He appeared as a cloud, like before, and His glory came to reside in the tabernacle.