The cloud … was upon the tabernacle by day and fire was on. it by night . Compare Exodus 13:21 , Exodus 13:22 ; and Exodus 14:20 , Exodus 14:24 ; Numbers 9:15 , Numbers 9:16 . The cloud had two aspects—one obscure, the other radiant. It was a dark column by day—a pillar of fire by night. Thus it was always visible. read more
35:1-40:38 CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLEThis section largely repeats the instruction given on the mountain in Chapters 25-31. It emphasizes that the people had to do God’s work according to his covenant requirements. Therefore, they were to keep the Sabbath (35:1-3; cf. 31:16). If they wanted God to accept their offerings for the building of the tabernacle, they had to present those offerings in a spirit of joy and willingness (35:4-29). Though all could give offerings, only those with the... read more
when the cloud, &c. This continued till Moses' death, when the ark (which till then was carried in the midst of the host) took its place and went "before them". See Joshua 3:3-6 , Joshua 3:11 . children = sons. journeys = journeyings. Literally settings forward. read more
on it : i.e. in the cloud. house of Israel . See note on Exodus 16:31 . read more
"And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month shalt thou rear up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.Exodus 25:8. This also gives the reason for the Tabernacle, that might, in a very special way, dwell among them."[1] And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and thou shalt screen the ark with the veil.[2] And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps... read more
36. when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle—In journeying through the sandy, trackless deserts of the East, the use of torches, exhibiting a cloud of smoke by day and of fire by night, has been resorted to from time immemorial. The armies of Darius and Alexander were conducted on their marches in this manner [FABER]. The Arab caravans in the present day observe the same custom; and materials for these torches are stored up among other necessary preparations for a journey. Live... read more
38. the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle, c.—While it had hitherto appeared sometimes in one place, sometimes in another, it was now found on the tabernacle only so that from the moment that sanctuary was erected, and the glory of the Lord had filled the sacred edifice, the Israelites had to look to the place which God had chosen to put His name there, in order that they might enjoy the benefit of a heavenly Guide ( :-). In like manner, the church had divine revelation for its guide... read more
II. THE ADOPTION OF ISRAEL 15:22-40:38The second major section of Exodus records the events associated with God’s adoption of Israel as His chosen people. Having redeemed Israel out of slavery in Egypt He now made the nation His privileged son. Redemption is the end of one journey but the beginning of another. read more
The Tabernacle Erected1-16. Moses is commanded to uprear the Tabernacle and consecrate it, together with its furniture, and the priests by anointing them.2. On the first day of the first month] i.e. of the month Abib (see on Exodus 12:2, Exodus 12:41) in the second year after the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 40:17). They left Egypt on the fifteenth day of Abib, and arrived at Sinai in the third month: see Exodus 19:1.4. The things to be set upon it] i.e. the shewbread (see Exodus 40:23 and on... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 40:36-38
And when — i.e. "whensoever." The last three verses describe the manner in which the cloud henceforth served the Israelites as guide—not only directing their course, but determining when they were to move, and how long they were to rest at each encampment. For a further account of the same, see Numbers 9:15-23 . read more