Exodus 33:8
ESV
Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent.
NIV
And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent.
NASB
And it came about, whenever Moses went out to the tent, that all the people would arise and stand, each at the entrance of his tent, and gaze after Moses until he entered the tent.
CSB
Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would stand up, each one at the door of his tent, and they would watch Moses until he entered the tent.
NLT
Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside.
KJV
And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle.
NKJV
So it was, whenever Moses went out to the tabernacle, that all the people rose, and each man stood at his tent door and watched Moses until he had gone into the tabernacle.
What does Exodus 33:8 mean?
Moses now talks with God in a "tent of meeting" outside the borders of the Israelite camp (Exodus 33:7). Israel had quickly violated God's covenant laws (Exodus 32:1–6), resulting in His distance (Exodus 33:1–3). Every time Moses approaches the tent, the people respond with reverence. They watch as Moses enters, and as a column of clouds comes down to cover the tent's entrance (Exodus 33:9).Inside this tent, the Lord communicates with Moses in a natural, direct way. This might have been through physical presence, a vision, or other means. But Scripture describes it as "face to face" and friendly (Exodus 33:11). Joshua (Exodus 17:8–9; 32:17) guards the tent whenever Moses is not there.
