“And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”– Exodus 40:35
Exodus 40:35 Meaning
In this verse, we see the profound moment when Moses, the leader of the Israelites, could not enter the tent of meeting because the presence of God was so thick and overwhelming. The “cloud” represents the divine presence of God, which settled over the tabernacle. The “glory of the Lord” filling the tabernacle signifies not just a physical manifestation but also the spiritual significance of God’s presence among His people. This event reveals how sacred and powerful God’s presence is, and how it sets apart the holy space created for worship and meeting with God. The intense glory of God is something that no ordinary person could stand in the presence of, illustrating a relationship where reverence and awe are fundamental.
This moment also highlights the deep humility and respect that Moses had for God’s holiness. Even though Moses had a unique relationship with God — speaking to Him as a friend — he recognized that God’s glory is beyond human comprehension or approach. It’s a reminder for us that God’s holiness is something to be revered and respected. God’s presence is a powerful force, and approaching Him requires a sense of purity and respect for His divine nature. Throughout the Bible, we find instances where God’s power is overwhelming, and here, we see that it is a moment that leaves a deep impression in the narrative of the Israelite journey.
Exodus 40:35 Commentary and Explanation
In this powerful verse, we find Moses, a man who talked to God face to face, confronting the ultimate expression of God’s glory. At this moment, Moses faces a barrier that even he cannot cross. This is a significant teaching for us as believers. It shows us that regardless of our relationship with God, there are depths to His character and holiness that we must approach with utmost humility. The cloud symbolizing God’s presence indicates that He is actively part of the life of His people, guiding and protecting them. The same cloud that leads and protects is also a barrier of reverence, suggesting that there are moments where we must recognize our place before a holy God.
When we look at this occurrence through the lens of our daily lives, it prompts us to understand how we should approach God. Our prayers and worship ought to come from a place of honor and understanding of who He is. The glory of the Lord teaching us about the need for spiritual readiness and purity when we come before Him. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, we see that as we behold God’s glory, we are transformed. This implies that while we may not be able to enter the fullness of God’s presence in the same capacity, we can still seek a transformation through engaging with His glory in our lives.
This moment reinforces a deep truth about the nature of God; His glory is both something we desire and something that requires acknowledgment of our limits. When God fills a place, it becomes sacred. This influence of God’s presence creates a distinguishing characteristic of holiness within our hearts and lives, pushing us to reflect on how we live and interact with the world around us.
As we reflect on God’s presence in our lives today, it is useful to remember that His glory continues to fill our lives in various ways. Through worship, prayer, and community, we can experience His presence. However, we must remain respectful and mindful of our hearts and minds when we come before Him. The call is to enter into His presence with gratitude and holiness, actively seeking His guidance knowing the transformation that happens when we do. God’s presence brings clarity, peace, and above all, it leads us to a deeper relationship with Him.
Context of Exodus 40:35
The surrounding chapters provide critical context for Exodus 40:35. The Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for a long time, and God had given Moses instructions for building the sanctuary — the tabernacle. Exodus chapters 25 through 31 outline the design and the materials to be used while Exodus 35 to 40 narrate the actual construction. The culmination of these events builds up to this climactic moment of God’s presence descending upon the completed tabernacle.
Through forty years, the Israelites faced numerous challenges and modernity. They observed God’s miracles through the plagues of Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, and received the Law on Mount Sinai. And yet, here we find them at a stage of transition, finally having a physical structure to represent God’s dwelling among them. This tabernacle was not just a place; it was imbued with deep significance representing God’s desire to dwell among His people. Moses was chosen as the mediator, echoing God’s faithfulness and patience throughout their journey.
This event highlighted God’s desire to be in relationship with His people, as indicated by the tabernacle. It was a foretaste of the ultimate fulfillment of God living among humanity found in Jesus Christ, who comes to dwell with us, revealing God’s glory through His life and ministry. This connection underscores that God is always seeking to engage with us, providing a means for communion and worship, which continues to be relevant in our worship services today.
Furthermore, we find that God’s glory impacting Moses did not just mean divine presence but also accountability. Moses leading a nation faced the weight of responsibility to remind the Israelites of holy living. This call to holiness is as essential today, urging us to recognize the need for divine guidance as we navigate our relationships with God and each other. We are reminded that being in the presence of God is a privilege requiring responsibility and sanctification.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 40:35
To understand Exodus 40:35, we must focus on key parts: Moses, the cloud, and the glory of the Lord. Each carries substantial weight in the overall narrative.
Moses symbolizes leadership and a direct relationship with God. His role as a mediator positions him in a unique place. However, even Moses recognizes that he must step back from God’s holiness, revealing how even the most dedicated followers are called to approach God with reverence. This is significant for us because it shows nobody is above God’s law or grace, and we must not take our own relationship with God for granted.
The cloud represents not only God’s transcendence but also His immanence — God chooses to dwell close to His people. The cloud signifies guidance (as seen during the journey in Exodus 13:21-22) as well as judgment, emphasizing the duality of God’s relationship with us. God’s guidance comforts us, while His holiness calls us to account.
Lastly, the glory of the Lord accentuates these aspects. Glory in the Hebrew context reflects weightiness and heaviness, pointing to the significance of God’s presence. When God’s glory filled the tabernacle, it declared to the Israelites and to us about His magnificent power. It reminds us that God’s might is not something we can manipulate or take lightly. His glory calls us to awe and respect, compelling our hearts to be aligned with His. The glory of God invites us to reflect upon our own lives, worship, and relationship with Him as we draw nearer.
Lessons From Exodus 40:35
From Exodus 40:35, we can extract significant lessons that resonate with our faith journey today. The first lesson is the recognition of God’s utter holiness and the reverence it demands. Our understanding of God must always be accompanied by humility, reminding us that He is collectively above us.
Second, the verse teaches about the transformative nature of God’s presence. When we truly seek to enter into God’s presence, we encounter life-changing experiences that shape our character and guide our decisions. Each prayer, worship session, or moment of solitude can draw us into a transformative interaction with God.
Additionally, we learn about the importance of community in engaging with God. The Israelites collectively build the tabernacle, and God’s presence fills it as a shared space to worship. This underscores the value of congregational worship and fellowship. Engaging with fellow believers not only strengthens our faith but also fosters an environment of accountability and encouragement.
Finally, we are reminded that while we have access to the Father through Christ, we must not lose sight of His nature and authority. Our relationship with God comes with responsibility and the call to live in a way that reflects His holiness. This perspective challenges us to prioritize our spiritual lives and seek God’s presence regularly, never taking it for granted.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 40:35 brings us to an awe-inspiring moment where Moses, despite his close relationship with God, could not enter the tabernacle when God’s glory filled it. It reminds us that God’s presence is a treasure we should seek, filled with power, transformation, and requiring our utmost respect.
As we reflect on this verse, let us prioritize seeking God in our lives. Through prayer, worship, and community, we have the opportunity to experience His presence. May we approach Him not with irreverence but with hearts prepared to meet the Holy One. This enables us to draw closer, strengthen our relationship with Him, and be transformed by His glory. In all aspects, let’s remember to carry the lessons of humility, transformation, and understanding God’s holiness into our daily lives.
We encourage you to explore more topics, such as Exodus 40:32, Exodus 40:31, and Exodus 40:30, to uncover the richness of God’s word and its teachings for our lives.