Generally, there are two phases in any project: planning and preparation, followed by execution. When successfully completed, the hard work put in comes to fruition. When the children of Israel set up the House of God, it was very exciting as it culminated in the completion of the House of God which expressed God’s covenantal relationship with His people.

1. God's Instructions (Exod 40:1-15)

(a) Setting the Tabernacle in order (Exod 40:1-8)

Here we see the order of setting up the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was to be set up from the inside out. Our God is a God of order, and He prescribes the best order. One principle here is that there must also be order in our worship of, and service to, God. Our worship and service must reflect God's glory and character.

(b) Setting the service apart (Exod 40:9-11)

The anointing oil used in the Tabernacle was used only for the Lord's service. Everything that was anointed by this oil was set apart and dedicated for God's use. The principle here is that the methods and approach of our service to God must be holy and in accordance to His Word, not according to the world. We must not use worldly philosophies to do the work of God. Everything we do must be in accordance to His Word.

(c) Setting the people apart (Exod 40:12-15)

The anointing of the priests was to consecrate them for service to God. They were to be set apart for the Lord's service, including the teaching and preaching of God's Word to the people. As we are called a royal priesthood, we too are to be holy and pure in our service to God.

2. Obedience in Service (Exod 40:16-33)

This was the first time Moses saw everything coming together, as he followed the instructions of God in setting up the Tabernacle. Moses followed God's instructions without questioning God. Moses understood the specifics of God’s instructions, and the significance and purposes of the different pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle. He executed the instructions of God with understanding. We too must understand God's Word as we do His work in obedience. In other words, we do not do God's work in blind obedience. We must understand the spiritual significance of our service to God.