Exodus 40:1

Study note

Setting — The LORD speaks to Moses at the conclusion of the tabernacle instructions, immediately preceding the erection of the Tent of Meeting on the first day of the first month (Exodus 40:2).

The words — The phrase וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר (va/y.da.Ber) literally means "and he spoke," while לֵּ/אמֹֽר\׃ (le./Mor) translates as "to saying," framing the communication as an immediate, unadorned directive.

The thread — This opening formula introduces the tabernacle erection sequence in Exodus 40:2-8 and recurs throughout the Pentateuch to mark each new divine instruction delivered through Moses.

Why it lands — The text states God speaks before action; the verse requires the reader to recognize that human obedience must follow divine timing and authority without delay.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.