17. So the Holy Tent was set up. It was the first day of the first month during the second year after they left Egypt.
18. When Moses set up the Holy Tent, he put the bases in place. Then he put the frames on the bases. Next he put the crossbars through the rings of the frames and set up the posts.
19. After that, Moses spread the cloth over the Holy Tent. Then he put the covering over the Tent. He did these things just as the Lord commanded.
20. Moses put the flat stones into the Ark of the Covenant. These had God’s law written on them. Moses put the poles through the rings of the Ark of the Covenant. Then he put the lid on it.
21. Next Moses brought the Ark of the Covenant into the Tent. He hung the curtain to cover the Ark of the Covenant. Moses did these things just as the Lord commanded him.
22. Moses put the table in the Meeting Tent. He put it on the north side of the Holy Tent in front of the curtain.
23. Then he put the bread on the table before the Lord. He did this just as the Lord commanded him.
24. Moses put the lampstand in the Meeting Tent. He put it on the south side of the Holy Tent across from the table.
25. Then he put the lamps on the lampstand before the Lord. He did this just as the Lord commanded him.
26. Moses put the gold altar for burning incense in the Meeting Tent. He put it in front of the curtain.
27. Then he burned sweet-smelling incense on it, just as the Lord commanded him.
28. Then he hung the curtain at the entrance to the Holy Tent.
29. He put the altar for burning sacrifices at the entrance to the Holy Tent, the Meeting Tent. Then Moses offered a whole burnt offering and grain offerings on that altar. He did these things just as the Lord commanded him.
30. Moses put the bowl between the Meeting Tent and the altar for burning sacrifices. Moses put water in the bowl for washing.
31. Moses, Aaron and Aaron’s sons used this water to wash their hands and feet.
32. They washed themselves every time they entered the Meeting Tent. They also washed themselves every time they went near the altar for burning sacrifices. They did these things just as the Lord commanded Moses.
33. Then Moses set up the courtyard around the Holy Tent. He put the altar for burning sacrifices in the courtyard. Then he put up the curtain at the entry to the courtyard. So Moses finished the work.
34. Then the cloud covered the Meeting Tent. The greatness of the Lord filled the Holy Tent.
35. Moses could not enter the Meeting Tent. This was because the cloud had settled on it. And this was because the greatness of the Lord filled the Holy Tent.
36. When the cloud rose from the Holy Tent, the Israelites would begin to travel.