Exodus 40:34-38

Posted on January 9, 2010 by Plymothian

As the book of Exodus draws to a close God graciously agrees to dwell with Israel.  Although He exists through all creation, He is especially present in the tent of meeting.  This has been a hard concept for me to grasp.  God exists equally at every point.  He is infinite.  Yet in time and space there are some places where God is more or less present.  Being cast from the presence of God is hell.  Being in the full presence of God is heaven.  The Tent of Meeting is heaven on earth.  However, Moses can not dwell there whenever he chooses.  God chooses.

Exodus 40: 34-38

34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

 36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

Questions

  1. What filled the tabernacle?
  2. What could Moses not do?
  3. What is holiness?
  4. How are God’s holiness and his presence communicated in the passage?
  5. How will you experience God’s holiness and his presence at church?

Going Deeper

Observation

  • What two descriptions are there of God’s dwelling place?
  • What had settled upon the tent?
  • When would the people set out from their camp?
  • What was over the tabernacle by night?
  • What terms show us that the Israelites were nomadic?

Interpretation

  • In your mind’s eye what does the cloud look like?
  • What does the pillar of fire look like?
  • In your own words describe ‘the glory of the LORD’.
  • How can glory be dangerous?
  • Who is directing where the people travel?

Application

  • In what places do you experience more of God’s presence?
  • Read the very short book, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.
  • How have you become complacent about your access to God through Christ?
  • How could you be more aware of the access to God that you have through Christ?
  • How can you bring heaven to hellish situations?
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About Plymothian

I teach at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. My interests include education, biblical studies, and spiritual formation. I have been married to Kelli since 1998 and we have two children, Daryl and Amelia. For recreation I like to run, play soccer, play board games, read and travel.
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