The command to set up the Tabernacle is a significant event in the history of Israel, marking the establishment of a central place of worship and the tangible presence of God among His people. This command is detailed in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 40, where God instructs Moses on the precise manner and timing for erecting the Tabernacle.

Biblical Context

The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was a portable sanctuary that the Israelites used during their wanderings in the wilderness. It served as the dwelling place of God among His people and was the center of Israelite worship and sacrificial practices. The instructions for building the Tabernacle were given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 25-31. These chapters outline the detailed specifications for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, emphasizing the importance of following God's design precisely.

The Command in Exodus 40

In Exodus 40, the Lord commands Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month, marking the beginning of the second year after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. The passage reads:

"The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.'" (Exodus 40:1-2)

This command signifies a new beginning for the Israelites, as they transition from a nomadic existence to a community centered around the worship of Yahweh. The timing of the setup aligns with the start of the religious calendar, underscoring the Tabernacle's role in the spiritual life of the nation.

Instructions for Setting Up

The Lord provides Moses with specific instructions for setting up the Tabernacle and its components. These include the placement of the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altar of Incense, and the Altar of Burnt Offering. Each item is to be arranged according to God's precise directions, reflecting the order and holiness required in worship.

"You are to place the ark of the testimony in it and shield the ark with the veil. Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:3-5)

The meticulous nature of these instructions highlights the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the reverence due to God. The Tabernacle is not merely a physical structure but a sacred space where God meets with His people.

Anointing and Consecration

Following the setup, the Tabernacle and all its furnishings are to be anointed and consecrated, setting them apart for holy use. This act of anointing signifies the sanctification of the space and the objects within it, dedicating them to the service of the Lord.

"Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything within it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy." (Exodus 40:9)

The anointing of the Tabernacle and its elements underscores the theme of holiness that permeates the worship practices of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the need for purity and dedication in approaching God.

The Glory of the LORD

Upon completion of the setup and consecration, the glory of the LORD fills the Tabernacle, signifying His approval and presence among the Israelites. This divine manifestation is a powerful affirmation of God's covenant with His people and His desire to dwell among them.

"Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:34)

The presence of God's glory in the Tabernacle serves as a visible assurance of His guidance and protection, reinforcing the centrality of the Tabernacle in the life of the Israelite community.

Theological Significance

The command to set up the Tabernacle holds profound theological significance. It represents God's initiative in establishing a covenant relationship with His people and His desire to be present with them. The Tabernacle serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity, fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14).

The meticulous instructions and the emphasis on holiness reflect the nature of God as both transcendent and immanent. The Tabernacle is a place where heaven meets earth, where the divine and human intersect, and where the Israelites can experience the presence and glory of their God.