Then a cloud . In the original "the cloud," i.e. the cloud so often spoken of ( Exodus 13:21 , Exodus 13:22 ; Exodus 14:19 , Exodus 14:20 , Exodus 14:24 ; Exodus 19:9 ; Exodus 24:15-18 ; Exodus 33:9 , Exodus 33:10 ). Covered the tent . Descended on the outer covering and rested there. Filled the tabernacle . Entered inside, and filled both holy place and Holy of Holies. read more
The symbols of God's presence. I. GOD IS SEEN BY THOSE WHO UNFEIGNEDLY LOVE HIM AS PURE LIGHT . " I am the light of the world" ( John 8:12 ; John 9:5 ). "In him was life, and the life was the light of men" ( John 1:4 ). "In him is no darkness at all" ( 1 John 2:5 ). With clear unclouded radiance he shines on those who tread his heavenly courts, which need no other light besides him. "The city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it;... read more
Indwelling and guidance. I. GOD OWNS THE DWELLING - PLACE SET UP ACCORDING TO HIS COMMANDMENTS . "Then the cloud," etc. "And Moses was not able to enter in," etc.; it was claimed as his own and taken possession of by the Lord. 1 . The soul which comes by God's way will be filled with God's glory. 2 . The Church which honours God he will glorify. 3 . The full glory of the perfected Church, the bride of Christ. II. WHERE THE LORD DWELLS HE ... read more
The house filled with glory. The close of the book of Exodus is worthy of the greatness of its subject. It ends where the history of the world will end, with the descent of Jehovah's glory to dwell with men ( Revelation 21:3 ). We have seen Israel in bondage; have beheld its redemption; have followed it through the wilderness; have heard the thunders of the law at Sinai; have been witnesses of the nation's covenant with God; have seen its shameful apostasy; have traced the steps of its... read more
Moses was not able to enter . It is implied that he wished—nay, tried—to enter—but the "glory" prevented him. (Compare 1 Kings 8:11 ; 2 Chronicles 5:14 ; 2 Chronicles 7:2 .) Because the cloud abode thereon . It was not the external "cloud" which prevented Moses from entering, but the internal "glory." But the two are regarded as inseparable. read more
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
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
On the distinction between the tent as the outer shelter and the tabernacle as the dwelling-place of Yahweh, which is very clear in these verses, see Exodus 26:1 note. The glory appeared as a light within and as a cloud on the outside.Exodus 40:35Compare the entrance of the high priest into the holy of holies on the day of atonement, Leviticus 16:2, Leviticus 16:13. For special appearances of this glory in the tabernacle, see Numbers 14:10; Numbers 16:19, Numbers 16:42.The tabernacle, after it... read more
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John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 40:38
Verse 38 38.For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle. Moses more distinctly explains what he had said generally respecting the cloud, viz., that by night a fiery column appeared, because the cloud would not have been visible amidst the darkness. A second explanation is also added, that this did not happen once or twice only, but “in all their journeys;” so that they were never without a sight of the cloud, which might be a witness of God’s presence, whether, being settled on the... read more