The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, served as the portable earthly dwelling place of Yahweh among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central element of worship and a symbol of God's presence with His people. The filling of the Tabernacle with the cloud of glory is a significant event that underscores the divine approval and presence of God.

Biblical Account

The account of the Tabernacle being filled with the cloud of glory is found in the Book of Exodus. After the Israelites completed the construction of the Tabernacle according to the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, the glory of the LORD descended upon it. Exodus 40:34-35 states, "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 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."

Theological Significance

The cloud of glory, often referred to as the Shekinah, represents the manifest presence of God. This visible sign of God's presence was a reassurance to the Israelites of His continual guidance and protection. The cloud served as a divine seal of approval on the Tabernacle, indicating that it was a holy place set apart for worship and communion with God.

The filling of the Tabernacle with the cloud also signifies the holiness and transcendence of God. The fact that even Moses, the leader and prophet of Israel, could not enter the Tent of Meeting while the cloud was present highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's glory. It serves as a reminder of the need for reverence and purity when approaching the divine.

Guidance and Direction

The cloud of glory was not only a symbol of God's presence but also a means of guidance for the Israelites. Numbers 9:15-23 describes how the cloud would rest over the Tabernacle by day and appear as fire by night. The Israelites would set out or camp based on the movement of the cloud, demonstrating their dependence on God's direction. "At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped. As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle, they remained encamped" (Numbers 9:18).

Foreshadowing of Christ

In Christian theology, the Tabernacle and the cloud of glory are seen as foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ. Just as the Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, Jesus is described as the Word who "became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14). The Greek term used for "dwelling" is "σκηνόω" (skenoo), which is related to the word for "tabernacle," emphasizing the continuity of God's desire to dwell with humanity.

Conclusion

The filling of the Tabernacle with the cloud of glory is a profound event that encapsulates the themes of divine presence, holiness, guidance, and the foreshadowing of the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ. It remains a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and His desire to be with His people.Exodus 40:34-38
Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Nave's Topical Index

July 7. "And the Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle" (Ex. Xl. ...
... commands the glory of the Lord descended and filled the tabernacle till there was
no room for Moses, and from that time the pillar of cloud overshadowed them ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /july 7 and the glory.htm

Consecration and Dedication
... And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud
abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." V.34. ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter iii consecration and dedication.htm

Following the Cloud.
... all was finished, and the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud that veiled the presence
of the Lord came and covered it, and the glory of the Lord filled it, so ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

The Angels with the Seven vials.
... And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud
abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle," Ex.40:34 ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the angels with the seven.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a Spectacular Setting Forth ...
... It was the "Cloud" which filled the Tabernacle""Then a cloud covered the tent of
the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle" (Ex.40:34 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the fact of the.htm

Power "In" and "Upon. "
... And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud
abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter ii power in and.htm

The True Tabernacle, and Its Glory of Grace and Peace
... He went about like a cloud which is big with rain ... God in the grace and truth with
which He is filled. ... us pitch our tent around this central tabernacle; do not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the true tabernacle and its.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle" (2 Chronicles 5:5 ... stand to minister
by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

The Light of the World
... the wilderness; and 'the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.' When the moving
Tabernacle gave place to the fixed Temple, again 'the cloud filled the house ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the light of the world.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... divine presence was manifested in the cloud of glory ... matchless splendor of the earthly
tabernacle reflected to ... before Him;(673) that temple, filled with the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

What was the tabernacle of David? | GotQuestions.org

What was the tabernacle of Moses? | GotQuestions.org

What were the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the temple / tabernacle? | GotQuestions.org

Tabernacle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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