Exodus Chapter 40 verse 34 Holy Bible

Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerses 34-38. - THE DESCENT OF THE GLORY OF GOD ON THE COMPLETED WORK. The work was finished the fist incense burnt (ver. 27) - the first sacrifice offered (ver. 29). Those who had watched the proceedings, and those who had been engaged in them, were probably about to retire to rest. Even Moses had withdrawn, and left the tabernacle to itself - when suddenly, there was a manifestation of Divine Power. The cloud, which had gone before the Israelites from Succoth onward (Exodus 13:20-22), and which had recently settled upon the extemporised "Tent of Meeting" (Exodus 33:9), left its place, and "covered" the newly-erected structure externally (ver. 34), while an intensely brilliant light - here called "the glory of God" - filled the whole interior of the tabernacle (ib,). Moses, it appears, would fain have re-entered the tabernacle - to see the great sight" (Exodus 3:3); but he could not - the "glory" was too dazzling (ver. 35). Thus a distinct approval was given to all that had been done. God accepted his house, and entered it. The people saw that he had foregone his wrath, and would be content henceforth to dwell among them and journey with them. Henceforth, throughout the wanderings, the cloud and tabernacle were inseparable. If the cloud was lifted a little off it and moved in front, the tabernacle had to follow (ver. 36) - if it settled down on the roof, the people stopped and remained until it moved again (ver. 37). The appearance was as of a cloud by day, and as of fire by night, so that all could always see where the tabernacle was, and whether it was stationary or in motion (ver. 38). After the first descent, it would seem that "the glory" withdrew into the Holy of Holies, so that both Moses and the priests could enter the holy place, and minister there (Leviticus 8:10; Leviticus 10:13, etc.). Verse 34. - Then a cloud. In the original "the cloud," i.e. the cloud so often spoken of (Exodus 13:21, 22; Exodus 14:19, 20, 24; Exodus 19:9; Exodus 24:15-18; Exodus 33:9, 10). Covered the tent. Descended on the outer covering and rested there. Filled the tabernacle. Entered inside, and filled both holy place and Holy of Holies.

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English ReadersTHE DESCENT OF THE GLOEY OF GOD UPON THE TABERNACLE.(34) Then a cloud.--Heb., the cloud, i.e., the same cloud that had accompanied the host and directed their journeys from Succoth (Exodus 13:20-22).Covered the tent.--The cloud rested on the tent outside; the "glory of God,"--some ineffably brilliant appearance--entered inside, and "filled" the entire dwelling. It pleased God thus to manifest His intention of making good His promise to go with the people in person (Exodus 33:17).