BYU Lecture 21: After taking Israel out of Egypt Moses immediately began teaching the people the Gospel of Jesus Christ so they could witness God and become a people like unto the city of Enoch. But these people were unworthy and unwilling to behold God. Therefore, instead of receiving the Melchizedek priesthood and the temple ordinances, they were given the lesser priesthood and the "Law of Moses," comprising the law of the Gospel Covenant (including the 10 commandments) and also the temporary law of carnal commandments, a schoolmaster law of tedious offerings and oblations.

The Tabernacle is then constructed in precise detail, as commanded by God.

Moses takes a census of each tribe and situates each one around the outskirts of the Tabernacle. The tribe of Levi, however, was assigned differently. Each Levite male was consecrated as a servant in the Levitical Priesthood to function on behalf of the entire camp of Israel. These Levites were positioned immediately around the Tabernacle, within the outer circle of the other tribes.

After nearly a year at Mt. Sinai, God commands Moses to pack up and march the people into the promised land. Unfortunately, all along the way the people murmured against Moses and the Lord. As a result, this relatively short march turned into a long, cleansing march lasting another 38 years before they were finally qualified to enter Canaan - the promised land.