Exodus 40:35

Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Study Bible

Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting
This phrase highlights a significant moment where Moses, the leader and prophet of Israel, is unable to enter the sacred space. The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the designated place where God would meet with His people. This inability to enter signifies the overwhelming presence of God, which even Moses, who had previously spoken with God face to face (Exodus 33:11), could not withstand. It underscores the holiness and separateness of God, emphasizing that even the most revered leaders must approach Him with reverence and awe.

because the cloud had settled on it
The cloud represents the Shekinah glory, a visible manifestation of God's presence. Throughout the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, the cloud guided them by day (Exodus 13:21-22). Its settling on the Tent of Meeting signifies God's approval and His dwelling among His people. This cloud is a recurring symbol of divine presence, seen also at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16) and later in the dedication of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). It serves as a reminder of God's guidance and protection.

and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle
The glory of the LORD, often associated with light and radiance, filled the tabernacle, indicating God's complete and overwhelming presence. This filling of the tabernacle is a fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people (Exodus 29:45-46). It prefigures the incarnation of Christ, where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory (John 1:14). The tabernacle, as a type of Christ, points to the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity through Jesus. This event also foreshadows the New Testament reality where believers, as the body of Christ, become the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this verse, Moses is unable to enter the Tent of Meeting due to the presence of God's glory.

2. Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle)
A sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites. It was a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the people of Israel during their journey through the wilderness.

3. The Cloud
Represents the presence and glory of God. In the Hebrew text, the word for "cloud" is (anan), which often signifies divine presence and guidance.

4. The Glory of the LORD
The manifestation of God's presence. The Hebrew word for "glory" is (kavod), indicating weightiness, honor, and splendor.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, who were witnesses to the divine presence filling the tabernacle, signifying God's approval and presence among them.

Teaching Points

God's Presence is Holy and Powerful
The inability of Moses to enter the Tent of Meeting underscores the holiness and power of God's presence. We should approach God with reverence and awe.

God's Guidance and Approval
The cloud settling on the tabernacle signifies God's guidance and approval. We should seek God's presence and guidance in our lives, trusting His direction.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The tabernacle foreshadows Christ, who is the ultimate manifestation of God's presence. As believers, we have access to God's presence through Jesus.

The Importance of Obedience
The completion of the tabernacle according to God's instructions led to His glory filling it. Obedience to God's commands invites His presence into our lives.

Community Witness
The Israelites witnessed God's glory together, reminding us of the importance of communal worship and experiencing God's presence as a body of believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the presence of God in the cloud and the tabernacle in Exodus 40:35 compare to His presence in your life today?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to experience God's glory and presence in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of God's glory filling the tabernacle relate to the New Testament understanding of believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' experience about approaching God with reverence and humility?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, create an environment where God's presence is welcomed and experienced collectively?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 24:15-18
Describes Moses entering the cloud on Mount Sinai, highlighting the significance of God's presence in a cloud.

1 Kings 8:10-11
When Solomon's temple was dedicated, the glory of the LORD filled the temple, preventing the priests from ministering, similar to Moses' experience.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, connecting the tabernacle's glory to Jesus Christ.

Revelation 21:3
God's dwelling is with humanity, echoing the theme of God's presence among His people.