20 He took the tablets of the covenant law and placed them in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it.
20 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:
20 He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark.
20 He placed The Testimony in the Chest, inserted the poles for carrying the Chest, and placed the lid, the Atonement-Cover, on it.
20 He took the Testimony and put it into the ark, inserted the poles through the rings of the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark.
20 He took the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant and placed them inside the Ark. Then he attached the carrying poles to the Ark, and he set the Ark's cover-the place of atonement-on top of it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 40:20
Commentary on Exodus 40:16-33
(Read Exodus 40:16-33)
When the tabernacle and the furniture of it were prepared, they did not put off rearing it till they came to Canaan; but, in obedience to the will of God, they set it up in the midst of their camp. Those who are unsettled in the world, must not think that this will excuse want of religion; as if it were enough to begin to serve God when they begin to be settled in the world. No; a tabernacle for God is very needful, even in a wilderness, especially as we may be in another world before we come to fix in this. And we may justly fear lest we should deceive ourselves with a form of godliness. The thought that so few entered Canaan, should warn young persons especially, not to put off the care of their souls.