שמות, פרק מ׳, פסוק ג׳

Setting up a sacred space requires a deliberate progression. The assembly of the Tabernacle begins at its most inward, sacred center, allowing the holiness to radiate outward [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The arrangement of the sacred vessels follows a specific sequence, which notably differs from the order in which they were originally crafted [מלבי״ם, קאסוטו, The Torah].

Moses is directed to position the Ark of the Testimony. Even a brief mention of the Ark inherently includes the sacred items associated with it, specifically the Tablets of the Covenant resting inside and the decorative cover placed on top [קאסוטו].

Following the placement of the Ark, a veil is introduced to shield it. The primary approach among commentators is to view this shielding as the creation of a screen or partition [רמב״ן, שד״ל, חזקוני]. This action serves a protective purpose, guarding the sacred Ark from view [רש״י, ביאור יש״ר, משכיל לדוד]. An alternative perspective suggests a more physical canopy effect, where the top section of the veil was slightly bent to form a roof-like structure over the Ark [העמק דבר].

Because the veil functioned as a vertical wall meant to separate the Holy from the Holy of Holies and to conceal the Ark [ביאור שטיינזלץ], it was not laid directly on top of the Ark itself. Instead, commentators agree that it was positioned near, beside, or directly in front of it [תורה תמימה, חזקוני, פרדס יוסף, קאסוטו].

A logistical question arises regarding the exact sequence of placing these items, as earlier instructions suggest the veil was set up before the Ark. This is resolved by understanding the practical steps of the assembly. The veil was indeed hung on its hooks first, but it was left raised. Only after the Ark was brought into its final, innermost location was the veil lowered to serve as a proper partition and shield [העמק דבר].