Exodus 40:35 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

NASB: And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

CSB: Moses was unable to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud rested on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

NLT: Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.

KJV: And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

NKJV: And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:34–38 describes what happened when Israel finally completed the tabernacle (Exodus 40:33). God's glory comes down to the sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9) in the form of a cloud. This cloud guides Israel by indicating when it is time to move on from their current camp. The cloud seems to be the same which guided Israel when they left Egyptian slavery (Exodus 13:21–22).

Moses assembles the tabernacle according to the instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). This process is careful and methodical. Moses also consecrates Aaron and his sons into a permanent, hereditary priesthood. When building and ceremonies are complete, God brings down a cloud as His glory fills the tabernacle building. This cloud will guide Israel as they move towards the Promised Land.

Israel has completed all components needed to assemble the tabernacle (Exodus 35—39). When the work is finished and everything is in place, God's glory comes down in a cloud that guides the nation. The story of Israel's wandering continues in the book of Numbers, while the book of Leviticus records copious details from God's conversations with Moses (Exodus 24:18).

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.

Accessed 9/12/2025 10:51:25 PM