Exodus 40:3 - Exposition

The first thing to be placed within the tabernacle was the ark of the testimony , as containing the foundation of the covenant between God and Israel, and being the special token of God's presence with his people. See the comment on Exodus 25:10 . The "two tables" were placed within the ark before it was brought into the tabernacle ( Exodus 25:20 , Exodus 25:21 ). Cover the ark with the veil— i.e; "hang up the veil in front of the ark, so as to cover or conceal it."