The Glory of the LORD Revealed
November 5, 2025
Commentary
Finally, Moses had the curtain hung around the courtyard (v. 33), com-pleting all the work of building the tabernacle. Every instruction God gave had been carefully obeyed. The sacred tent was now ready for God to fill with His presence.
A priestly role. Before Aaron and his sons were officially anointed, Mo-ses himself acted as a priest. He offered sacrifices, placed the utensils, and set everything in order (vv. 27, 29, 31). This early service of Moses shows how God often calls His servants to do a special job.
The glory descends (v. 34). The cloud of God’s glory came down upon the tabernacle, fulfilling His earlier promises to Moses and Israel (EXO 3:8; 3:12; 33:7–11). God’s word always proves true. He had delivered His people, guided them, and now came to dwell among them.
The visible glory (vv. 34–35). The cloud was a visible sign of the Lord’s presence, as it had been throughout their journey (EXO 13:21; 14:19; 16:7,10). Yet this moment was unique—the glory of God filled the entire tabernacle so powerfully that even Moses could not enter.
Moses and the glory of God. Moses saw God’s glory in the burning bush, in the plagues, in the exodus, and on Mount Sinai. He had even been allowed to see God’s “back” (EXO 33:17–23). But now the glory in the taber-nacle was greater still, showing that God’s presence among His people was the ultimate goal of redemption.
The guiding cloud (vv. 36–38). The cloud not only revealed God’s pres-ence but also guided His people. When it lifted, they traveled; when it stopped, they rested. The God who redeemed them would also lead them step by step toward the Promised Land.
Application
Do I welcome God’s presence in my life with the same awe and obedience that Israel showed when His glory filled the tabernacle? Am I willing to move when He leads and wait when He stays still? How can I make sure my daily choices—at work, home, or study—reflect that His glory is guiding and filling my life today?.
Exodus 40:28–38 (NET)
28 Then Moses put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. 29 He also put the altar for the burnt offering by the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering, just as the Lord had commanded him.
30 Then he put the large basin between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing. 31 Moses and Aaron and his sons would wash their hands and their feet from it. 32 Whenever they entered the tent of meeting, and whenever they approached the altar, they would wash, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.
33 And he set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and the altar, and put the curtain at the gate of the courtyard. So Moses finished the work.
34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 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. 36 But when the cloud was lifted up from the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out on all their journeys; 37 but if the cloud was not lifted up, then they would not journey farther until the day it was lifted up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, but fire would be on it at night, in plain view of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.