The glory of God revealed

Exodus 40:34–38
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There are several features in this last paragraph of the book of Exodus that we should take as:

1. The descent of God’s glory upon the tabernacle is the fulfillment of God’s previous promises to Israel and to Moses (Ex. 3:8, 3:12 & 33:7-11).
2. The cloud was a visible manifestation of the glory of the Lord (13:21, 14:19, 16:7,10).
3. The glory of God revealed in the tabernacle was greater than any glory previously revealed to Israel. The glory of God in the tabernacle was so awesome that even Moses could not enter the tabernacle. It should be remembered that apparently Moses had seen more of God’s glory than any man alive.
   1. He had seen the glory of God in the burning bush (Ex. 3).
   2. He had seen God’s glory in the plagues and the exodus of Israel.
   3. He alone had seen the glory of God from inside the cloud atop Mt. Sinai (  Ex.19,24).
   4. At his request he had seen even more of God’s glory when he was privileged to view the “backside of God.” (Ex. 33:17). But the glory of God in the tabernacle was greater than that which Moses could behold.
      
4. The cloud had a very practical function - that of guiding the Israelites on their way to the promised land.
   1. A description of the presence of the cloud (vv. 34-35).
   2. A description of the function of the cloud (vv. 36-38). By this cloud God led the Israelites, informing them as to when they should make or break camp, as well as leading them in the proper route.

Application

The Holy Spirit ministers to me today as the cloud once ministered to Israel. The Holy Spirit abides within me as the cloud used to abide within the tabernacle. The Holy Spirit also gives guidance to me as the cloud guided the Israelites.