Exodus 40:17 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:17 mean?

Exodus 40:17 states that on the first day of the first month in the second year after leaving Egypt, the Israelites set up the tabernacle. This marks the specific moment when the portable sanctuary, which God had instructed Moses to build, was finally assembled for use.

Moses is the main figure in this part of Exodus, and he is leading the Israelites in the wilderness after their escape from Egypt. The verse gives a precise date, showing the importance of this event in Israel’s journey. The tabernacle was central to Israelite worship, serving as the place where God’s presence would dwell among the people.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:17

• "first" (רִאשׁוֹן, rishon): This word signals the beginning or the very first in a sequence, emphasizing that this is the start of a new phase for the Israelites.
• "month" (חֹדֶשׁ, chodesh): This word refers to a lunar month, and its use here ties the event to the Hebrew calendar, underlining its historical and ritual significance.
• "second" (שֵׁנִי, sheni): This word marks that it is the second year since the Exodus, helping readers track the timeline of Israel’s journey.
• "year" (שָׁנָה, shanah): This is the standard word for year, anchoring the event in a real historical timeframe.
• "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): This word means “dwelling place” and highlights that the tabernacle was meant to be where God’s presence would reside among the people.
• "up" (קוּם, qum): This verb means “to raise” or “to set up,” indicating that the tabernacle was physically assembled and made ready for use.

Why Exodus 40:17 matters

• Exodus 40:17 clears up exactly when the tabernacle was first put together, showing that the Israelites followed God’s instructions on a specific timeline.
• The verse emphasizes the importance of the tabernacle as a turning point in the Israelites’ relationship with God, marking the beginning of formal worship in their journey.
• By connecting the tabernacle’s assembly to a precise date, the verse ties the story of Israel’s journey to real historical events, helping readers see the unfolding of God’s promises in concrete terms.