Exodus 33:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp.

NIV: Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the "tent of meeting." Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.

NASB: Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, a good distance from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting which was outside the camp.

CSB: Now Moses took a tent and pitched it outside the camp, at a distance from the camp; he called it the tent of meeting. Anyone who wanted to consult the Lord would go to the tent of meeting that was outside the camp.

NLT: It was Moses’ practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the Lord would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.

KJV: And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.

NKJV: Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting. And it came to pass that everyone who sought the Lord went out to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp.

God commanded Israel to make a large, elaborate tent called a "tabernacle." This was part of the sanctuary which would serve as a portable temple (Exodus 25:8–9). The designs are given to Moses as he speaks with the Lord on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:20; 24:18). During that time, the people resort to idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). They have already violated the covenant (Exodus 32:19). So, God took His presence away from the nation (Exodus 33:1–3).

To meet with Moses during this time, God comes to a tent outside of the camp. This further symbolizes the separation caused by sin. This is called the "tent of meeting." There, the Lord will display a pillar of clouds when He speaks with Moses (Exodus 13:21–22; 33:9). Joshua (Exodus 17:8–9; 32:17) will guard the tent when Moses is not there (Exodus 33:11). People could approach this place for guidance, but clearly only Moses was allowed inside.

Exodus 33:7–11 describes the "tent of meeting" where God communicated with Moses after Israel's sin of idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6; 33:1–6). This is located outside the camp, symbolizing the separation from God caused by sin. Israelites would watch and worship as a column of clouds appeared at the tent. Inside, the Lord conversed with Moses exactly as two ordinary people would. Joshua (Exodus 17:8–9; 32:17) guards the tent when Moses is away.

God commands Israel to leave the Sinai region. They are to move on towards the Promised Land, but without the Lord's usual presence. Moses meets with God outside the camp and the Lord says He will once again accompany Israel. Moses asks to see the full glory of God. Since this would kill Moses, God arranges for a much more limited experience.

Israel fell into idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6) very soon after receiving God's laws against it (Exodus 20:3–6). Yet the Lord still plans to bring them into a Promised Land. In this chapter, the people are commanded to leave Sinai and head towards Canaan. But the covenant must be renewed (Exodus 34). Until then, there is a level of separation between the nation and their God.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.