Exodus 40:17 Meaning: The Tabernacle Raised at God's Appointed Time
In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was raised up.
And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.
And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.
And it cometh to pass, in the first month, in the second year, in the first of the month, the tabernacle hath been raised up;
And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first of the month, that the tabernacle was set up.
Meaning in one sentence
Exodus 40:17: the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month, exactly as God commanded.
Context
The book of Exodus has been building toward this moment. God delivered Israel from Egypt, gave them the law at Sinai, and then spent many chapters giving Moses precise instructions for a tent where He would dwell among them. The people contributed materials freely, and skilled workers crafted every detail. Now, after months of labor, the work is complete. Moses has received the command to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month. This verse records that it happened exactly on that date, in the second year after the Exodus. The precise timing is no accident. It shows that God’s plans unfold on His schedule. Moses did not rush ahead or wait too long; he obeyed down to the day.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words give this verse its weight. The word for "month" is chodesh, which also means "new moon", a time of new beginnings. The tabernacle was raised on the first day of the month, a day God Himself had designated for a fresh start (Exodus 40:2). The word for "tabernacle" is mishkan, from a root that means "to dwell." This tent was not just a building; it was God’s chosen home among His people. The verb "was raised up" comes from qum, meaning "to establish, to make stand." In its passive form here, it emphasizes that God was the one who caused the tabernacle to stand. Moses was the instrument, but the Lord brought it to pass. These words together tell us that this was a new beginning, God’s dwelling place, firmly established by His power and at His command.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians from different traditions have found meaning in this exact date. Reformers like John Calvin highlighted Moses’ obedience: he did not add or subtract from God’s instructions, and that should guard us against mixing human ideas with worship. Matthew Henry saw the date as a sign of God’s faithfulness, bringing His people to this moment step by step. Anglican commentators note that Moses immediately began the daily services (vv. 23, 29), showing that worship follows God’s order. Baptist scholar John Gill calculated that the tabernacle was built in about five and a half months, underscoring the people’s dedication. All see the precise timing as evidence that God is the Lord of history, working out His purposes on the day He chooses.
A common misunderstanding
Living This Out
Maybe you are waiting for something God has promised, and the waiting feels long. This verse shows that God keeps track of time. He knows the exact day when His plans will come together. Your part is to keep following His instructions, even the small ones, and trust Him for the completion. Today you might take a quiet moment to thank God for His faithfulness and ask for patience to obey in the details. He finishes what He starts.
Main takeaway: God keeps His promises down to the day, and He calls us to obey Him in every detail, trusting His perfect timing.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God told Moses to build a special tent called the tabernacle. Moses did everything God said, and on the right day they set it up. God was happy because Moses obeyed.
For ages 9, 12
The tabernacle was like a portable church where God would live among His people. The date wasn't random; God chose it. This shows that God has a plan and a schedule. When we obey Him, even in small things, we get to be part of His big plan. God keeps His promises.
Questions People Ask
Why was the tabernacle set up on the first day of the first month?
God specifically commanded Moses to set up the tabernacle on that day (Exodus 40:2). The first day of the month (a new moon) was a time of new beginnings, and this date marked a fresh start for God’s dwelling among His people. It also fell almost exactly one year after the Exodus from Egypt, completing a cycle of deliverance and covenant.
What does the phrase 'the first month in the second year' mean?
It refers to the second year after the Israelites left Egypt. The first month of the Hebrew calendar is called Nisan (later Abib). So the tabernacle was erected about one year minus two weeks after the Exodus, in the spring. This timing shows that God’s plan moved forward on His own calendar, not by human convenience.
How long did it take to build the tabernacle?
According to commentators like John Gill, the construction took about five and a half months. The Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai in the third month after the Exodus (Exodus 19:1), and the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year. Deducting the time Moses spent on the mountain and other delays, the actual building work was relatively short, showing the people’s wholehearted dedication.
Did Moses set up the tabernacle by himself?
The text says Moses raised up the tabernacle (Exodus 40:18), but Exodus 39:42, 43 says the people had done all the work. Moses likely directed the assembly, with the help of the Levites and skilled workers. The point is that he acted as God’s appointed leader, carrying out every instruction faithfully.
What is the tabernacle a symbol of for Christians?
Throughout Christian tradition, the tabernacle is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who 'tabernacled' among us (John 1:14). It also represents God’s desire to dwell with His people, which is fulfilled ultimately in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:3). The precise obedience in setting it up reminds Christians to honor God’s instructions as part of worship.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study