Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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3. That which was to be veiled be veiled (Ex 40:21), and that which was to be used he used immediately, for the instruction of the priests, that by seeing him do the several offices they might learn to do them the more dexterously. Though Moses was not properly a priest, yet he is numbered among the priests (Ps 99:6), and the Jewish writers call him the priest of the priests; what he did he did by special warrant and direction from God, rather as a prophet, or law-giver, than as a priest. He set the wheels a going, and then left the work in the hands of the appointed ministry.
(1.) When he had placed the table, he set the show-bread in order upon it (Ex 40:23); for God will never have his table unfurnished.
(2.) As soon as he had fixed the candlestick, he lighted the lamps before the Lord, Ex 40:25. Even that dark dispensation would not admit of unlighted candles.
(3.) The golden altar being put in its place, immediately he burnt sweet incense thereon (Ex 40:27); for God's altar must be a smoking altar.
(4.) At the laver likewise, when he had fixed that, Moses himself washed his hands and feet. Thus, in all these instances, he not only showed the priests how to do their duty, but has taught us that God's gifts are intended for use, and not barely for show. Though the altars, and table, and candlestick, were fresh and new, he did not say it was a pity to sully them; no, he handselled them immediately. Talents were given to be occupied, not to be buried.
21 and he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil
of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the Lord commanded Moses.
22 And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the
side of the tabernacle northward, without the veil.
23 And he set the bread in order upon it before the Lord; as the Lord