Exodus 40:17-38
The Glory Filled the Dwelling
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17So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year.
18When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts.
19Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.
20Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.
21Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.
22Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.
23He arranged the bread on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.
24He also placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle
25and set up the lamps before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.
26Moses placed the gold altar in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the veil,
27and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the LORD had commanded him.
28Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.
29He placed the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, just as the LORD had commanded him.
30He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing;
31and from it Moses, Aaron, and his sons washed their hands and feet.
32They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
33And Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and the altar, and he hung the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard. So Moses finished the work.
34Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
35Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey.
37If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up.
38For 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 through all their journeys.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
In the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, Moses raises up the tabernacle. He sets its bases, frames, bars, pillars, and coverings, and spreads the tent over the dwelling. He puts the testimony into the ark, places the mercy seat above it, and brings the ark inside behind the veil.
Moses sets the table in the tent of meeting, arranges the bread before the LORD, sets up the lampstand and its lamps, and places the golden altar before the veil. He burns fragrant incense on it, and he puts the screen at the entrance of the dwelling. He sets the bronze altar at the entrance and the basin between the tent and the altar.
When Moses finishes the work, the cloud covers the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD fills the tabernacle. Moses cannot enter because the cloud settles on it and the glory fills it.
Throughout all Israel's journeys, whenever the cloud is taken up from over the tabernacle, the people set out. If the cloud is not taken up, they do not set out until the day it is taken up. The cloud of the LORD is on the tabernacle by day, and fire is in it by night, in the sight of all Israel.
Exodus ends with presence and guidance. The people are not merely delivered from Egypt; they are a people led by God, learning to wait and move according to his presence.
Questions
1 What happens when Moses finishes the work?
AnswerThe cloud covers the Tent of Meeting, and the LORD's glory fills the tabernacle. Moses cannot enter because the cloud has settled there and God's glory fills it.
2 When does Israel travel, and when does it remain?
AnswerThe people set out when the cloud lifts from the tabernacle. When it does not lift, they stay until it does.
3 How does the ending fulfill the purpose God stated for Israel's rescue?
AnswerGod said in Exodus 29 that He brought Israel out of Egypt to dwell among them. Now His glory fills the dwelling, and His cloud and fire remain visible through their journeys.
4 How can we seek God's guidance without claiming that every strong feeling is His command?
AnswerListen to Scripture, ask God for wisdom, and receive sound counsel. We can make responsible decisions while admitting uncertainty instead of attaching God's authority to our preferences.
What This Means for Us
Exodus ends with the LORD dwelling among the people He rescued. Even Moses cannot treat that holy presence as his possession. Their future depends on God, not only on the successful completion of their work.
Israel had a visible cloud governing when to travel. We are not promised that same signal for our household decisions. James tells believers to ask God for wisdom, and we can do that while listening to His word and seeking sound counsel. Trust includes acting on what is clear without pretending we know what He has not told us.
Prayer
God of glory, dwell among your people and guide our steps. Teach us to wait without fear, move without presumption, and keep worship centered on your presence rather than our own control. Amen.
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