Exodus 40:34–38 “The Glory of God Filled the Tabernacle

Exodus 40:34-38 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Hillsong UNITED – Lead Me To The Cross
• Way Maker – Leeland
• Shepherd – Amanda Cook | Brave New World

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• The Tabernacle and God’s Presence | Kids Bible Stories – Lesson for Kids
• God Will Guide Us | HLA Wilderness Escape VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• The Love of God | HLA Athens VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• He Is the Light | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After completing every step of the tabernacle’s construction, the author writes, “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (v. 34). Though described plainly and briefly, this was something unprecedented. It was so astonishing that even Moses—who had shared deep fellowship with God on Mount Sinai— “could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (v. 35).

The book of Leviticus, which follows Exodus, begins with the words, “The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting” (Lev. 1:1). This means that although Moses had stood back due to the overwhelming presence of God’s glory in the tabernacle, God called him in and welcomed him. It is dangerous for humans to intrude upon God’s glory, but it is safe when God calls. The only way humans can approach God is by His mercy.

The pillar of cloud and fire, which had guided the Israelites since their departure from Egypt, now settled above the tabernacle after its completion. When the cloud rested on the tabernacle, the people made camp. When it lifted from the tabernacle, they broke camp and moved forward (vv. 36–38).

Meditation:

The book of Exodus begins with the story of the Israelites’ suffering in Egypt, moves into the story of Moses, then follows the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, and concludes with the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt to Mount Sinai and the events that took place there. Out of the 40 chapters in total, 13 chapters are devoted to instructions regarding the tabernacle (chapters 25–31) and the process of building and setting it up (chapters 35–40). For modern readers, this repeated content may seem tedious. Yet the author intentionally emphasizes the importance of the tabernacle through this repetition.

The reason becomes clear in the final verses. When everything was constructed and arranged exactly as God had commanded, the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. What matters is not the visible structure of the tabernacle itself but seeing the glory of God through it. God’s glory appeared when the tabernacle was completed because the people obeyed His instructions. The completed tabernacle then became the guide for the Israelites throughout their wilderness journey. For a people who had previously depended solely on Moses’ leadership, the tabernacle became another central point—a crucial preparation for the time when Moses would no longer lead them.

The most important thing human beings can do to live in God’s presence and glory is obey His will. Just as God’s glory filled the Tabernacle when it was completed according to His instructions, God is with us on our life’s journey when we walk in obedience to His will. By day, He leads us with a pillar of cloud, by night, with a pillar of fire. Step by step, we journey forward toward the promised land.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for guiding us with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Today, we entrust our whole being to You and follow Your providential hand. Because of You, this wilderness path becomes a path of blooming flowers, and springs burst forth on dry ground. When we reflect on Your grace, all we can do is give thanks. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: When we obey God and follow His guidance, He promises to be with us every step of the way—just like He led the Israelites with a cloud by day and fire by night. God’s presence fills our lives when we trust and follow His will.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • How did God show His people that He was with them in the desert?
  • What do you think the cloud and fire looked like? How would that make you feel?
  • What are some ways we can follow God’s instructions today like the Israelites did?
• Youth
  • Why do you think God waited until the tabernacle was finished to fill it with His glory?
  • What does it mean to you to “follow God’s guidance” in your everyday life?
  • How can you recognize God’s presence in quiet or ordinary moments—like a cloud by day or fire by night?