When they went into the tent of meeting, and when they approached the altar, they washed, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he erected the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work. (Exodus 40:32,33 ESV)
Instructions
One year in high school, a new teacher was hired. He had a doctorate, and displayed a powerful, intense personality. Every student was intimidated.
Mostly because now, unlike with the teacher he replaced, we no longer knew what was expected of us. How important were daily assignments? How necessary was good spelling? What form of documentation was required for large papers? Could we joke in class? Could we sleep in class? Should we take notes? Should we ask questions to appear engaged?
We just did not know.
But we know that knowing those things was very important, and guessing was dangerous.
When God introduced Himself to the Israelites, He answered all of their similar questions. He told them what He expected from them, often in fine detail. And not only regarding issues like murder and thievery, but also specific instructions about how God wanted to be worshipped.
And Moses kept those instructions.
While we live in an era of individual freedom and personal choice, God actually does care how we worship Him. And He gave us principles in His Word for us to follow.
Because guessing is dangerous.
But we know, for instance, that the only way to approach God is through His Son, Christ Jesus.
We do not have to guess about that. He has given us instructions.
We are peculiar, God has given us instructions.