Exodus 40

In Exodus 40 we see God’s instruction to Moses on exactly how to erect the tabernacle, followed by a reiteration of these instructions while all steps are carried out. Looking back at the last several chapters, it seems that Exodus is full of instructions, specifically regarding the tabernacle. Why? What is the significance? At the end of the book we see: the tabernacle was the way for God to dwell with His people wherever they went. Look at this:

³⁴ Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. ³⁵ 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. ³⁶ Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. ³⁷ But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. ³⁸ For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

Exodus 40:34-38

When we read through this text, we see that the the people of Israel not only did as they were told; they followed God’s guidance exactly when they were supposed to as well. Because of their response to the Lord, He was with them, as the text says “throughout all their journeys.”

God continues to dwell with His people. If you know salvation through Jesus Christ, He lives within you. Are you maintaining His dwelling place in the way that He has called you to do so? My prayer is that we continue to follow the Lord’s plan for the how and where and when; may He also be in our sight throughout all our journeys.