Exodus 40:2

On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.

On the first day of the first month. From a careful consideration of the incidents recorded to have happened after the exodus (Exodus 12:2; Exodus 13:4; Exodus 19:1; Exodus 20:18; Exodus 34:28; etc.) it has been computed that the work of the tabernacle was commenced within six months after that emigration, and consequently, that other six months had been occupied in building it. We do not know how many or how few skilled artisans were employed on the work; but native Israelites alone were employed, not foreigners, as in the construction of the temple. Moreover, the acacia wood was found in great abundance in the surrounding desert. These circumstances must have contributed to accelerate the progress of the work. So long a period, therefore, spent in preparing the materials of a moveable pavilion (Hieron foreeton, a portable temple, Philo, 'De Vita Mosis,' L. 3:), it would be difficult to understand, were it not for what we are told of the vast dimensions of the tabernacle, as well as the immense variety of curious and elaborate workmanship which its different articles of furniture required.

the tabernacle of the tent mishkaan (H4908) 'ohel (H168) - the entire edifice; "the tent;" the covering that surmounted it (Exodus 40:19.)