Exodus 40:17 – “So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Exodus 40:17 marks a significant moment in the history of Israel—the completion and setup of the Tabernacle. This verse tells us that the Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year after the Israelites had left Egypt. This timing is important because it highlights the beginning of a new chapter for the Israelites as they transition from a wandering people to a nation with a designated place of worship where God’s presence would dwell among them. The completion of the Tabernacle on this particular day signifies a new beginning, a fresh start under God’s guidance and care.

Historical Context

The historical context of Exodus 40:17 is rooted in the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. By this point, the Israelites had been traveling for about a year. During this time, they received the Law at Mount Sinai and constructed the Tabernacle according to the detailed instructions given by God. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary, meticulously designed to be the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people. Setting up the Tabernacle on the first day of the new year was a significant act, symbolizing God’s continued presence and faithfulness as they embarked on the next stage of their journey toward the Promised Land.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 40:17 underscores the importance of God’s timing and the concept of new beginnings. The fact that the Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month indicates that God orchestrated the events to align with a time of renewal and fresh starts. This verse teaches that God’s presence is foundational to the life and journey of His people. The setup of the Tabernacle at the start of the new year also emphasizes that worship and fellowship with God should be central in our lives as we embark on new ventures or seasons. It reminds us that God is a God of order, timing, and purpose, and that He desires to dwell among His people and lead them according to His perfect plan.

Literary Analysis

Literarily, Exodus 40:17 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites’ journey. The verse is brief but carries significant weight, signaling the culmination of the instructions and work described in the previous chapters of Exodus. The specific mention of the date, “the first day of the first month in the second year,” adds a sense of historical precision and importance to the event. This verse acts as a bridge between the construction of the Tabernacle and the beginning of its use as the central place of worship for the Israelites. It marks the transition from preparation to action, from planning to the actualization of God’s presence dwelling among His people.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 12:2 – “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year.” This verse establishes the calendar for the Israelites, highlighting the significance of the first month in God’s plan.
• Leviticus 23:5 – “The Lord’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.” The timing of the Tabernacle’s setup is related to the religious calendar established by God, which would include key festivals and observances.
• Numbers 9:15 – “On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire.” This verse reflects the immediate impact of setting up the Tabernacle, as God’s presence visibly filled it.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 40:17 serves as a reminder of the importance of beginning new seasons and endeavors with God at the center. Just as the Israelites set up the Tabernacle at the start of a new year, Christians are encouraged to dedicate the beginnings of their days, years, and seasons to God, seeking His presence and guidance in all that they do. This verse also teaches the value of following God’s timing and trusting in His plan, even when it requires patience and preparation. It challenges believers to make worship and fellowship with God a priority as they navigate the transitions and milestones of life.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Exodus 40:17 reflects God’s love in His desire to dwell among His people and lead them in every aspect of their lives. By instructing the Israelites to set up the Tabernacle at the start of the new year, God was showing His commitment to being with them and guiding them into the future. This verse reveals that God is not distant or detached; rather, He is intimately involved in the lives of His people, desiring to be their constant companion and source of strength. God’s love is evident in the way He provides a place for His people to meet with Him, worship Him, and experience His presence in a tangible way.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 40:17 connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle. In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle was the place where God’s presence dwelled among His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the “Word [who] became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). The word “dwelling” in this verse can also be translated as “tabernacled,” indicating that Jesus is the true Tabernacle, the physical embodiment of God’s presence among humanity. Just as the Israelites began their new year with the Tabernacle at the center, Christians are called to begin and live each day with Christ at the center of their lives, recognizing Him as the source of life, guidance, and communion with God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the setup of the Tabernacle on the first day of the new year challenge you to consider how you begin new seasons or endeavors in your life?
2. In what ways can you make God’s presence central in your daily life, similar to how the Tabernacle was central to the Israelites?
3. How does understanding God’s timing and purpose in your life help you navigate transitions and new beginnings?
4. What does it mean for you to “tabernacle” with Christ in your everyday life, allowing His presence to guide and sustain you?
5. How can you apply the principles of this verse to ensure that your life is aligned with God’s plan and that you are seeking His guidance in all that you do?