שמות, פרק מ׳, פסוק א׳

After a long series of precise instructions and the careful crafting of individual parts, the time arrives to bring all the separate pieces together. Every vessel and structural element of the Tabernacle is finally ready and handed over to Moses, waiting to be united into a single, cohesive space where each item finds its proper place [קאסוטו].

God instructs Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month. This setup represents a significant shift from the events of the preceding week. During the seven days of inauguration, Moses would repeatedly build and dismantle the structure each day. Some suggest he did this twice daily for the morning and evening offerings, simply to train the Levites in their duties. Now, however, the instruction is to establish the structure permanently, so that it will only be taken apart when the Israelites travel through the desert [אברבנאל].

God provides a highly specific sequence for assembling the structure, which is entirely different from the order in which the parts were originally commanded to be built. When the construction was first ordered, the Ark and the inner vessels were listed before the tent itself. Yet, for the actual assembly, the process is reversed. The physical tent is set up first, and only then are the Ark, the dividing curtain, the table, and the remaining vessels brought inside. Therefore, when it is later noted that Moses did exactly as God commanded him, it means he carefully followed this new sequence for assembly, rather than the original order of construction [אברבנאל].

The narrative generally follows a clear pattern where a divine command is given, followed by a description of its practical execution [קאסוטו]. However, a notable gap emerges between the instructions and the actions taken. God tells Moses to anoint the Tabernacle, its vessels, Aaron, and his sons with oil. Yet, the subsequent record of Moses' actions leaves out the anointing of Aaron and the Tabernacle, an event that is only recorded later on.

This delay was a deliberate choice by Moses to separate the immense celebration of completing the Tabernacle from the joy of officially appointing Aaron to the priesthood. Moses was concerned that if Aaron were anointed on the very day the structure was set up, the public's attention would be entirely consumed by the new building. As a result, the people might mistakenly assume that Aaron simply claimed the priesthood for himself in the shadow of the main event. To prevent this, Moses postponed the anointing to a separate occasion, ensuring the entire nation would clearly witness and acknowledge Aaron's new role. God approved of His servant's decision, which is why the anointing ceremony is ultimately recorded as its own distinct event [שפתי כהן, אברבנאל].