Bible Commentaries

To wit, of the second year after their coming out of Egypt, as is evident.

The things that are to be set in order; the vessels belonging to it, and the shew-bread, Exodus 25:29,30

i.e. The tabernacle which is covered with a tent. See Exodus 35:11. Though elsewhere the words tabernacle and tent are promiscuously used.

i.e. A sign or seal that their priesthood shall continue as long as their polity lasts, till the coming of Messias. He signifies that this unction should be sufficient for all succeeding priests; they should not need to be anointed again, except the successive high priests. See Exodus 29:7,29 Le 4:3 16:32 21:10

Second year after their coming out of Egypt, Numbers 7:1.

1490

This is wisely and seasonably added, because this was a work peculiar to the priest, and not to be done by Moses without God’s express command

The burnt-offering and the meat offering, for the consecration of the altar, this being the first sacrifice.

i.e. The glorious presence of God, which having been forfeited and lost was now returned to them, and took its habitation among them.

Moses was not able to enter in, partly because of the extraordinary thickness and brightness of the cloud, which both dazzled his eyes and struck him with horror, as 1 Kings 8:11; and partly, because of his great reverence and dread of that eminent and glorious appearance of God; and partly, because he was not called to it, as he was not able to go up into the mount till he was called, Exodus 24:16.

The same pillar which in the day-time was like a cloud, in the night-time had the appearance of fire. See Exodus 13:21.