In the Book of Exodus, Moses is given these instructions, "And the LORD spake to Moses,saying, On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail." Exodus 40:1-3 KJV "For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through out all their journeys." Exodus 40:38