Then the cloud covered the Tent of MeetingThe cloud represents the visible manifestation of God's presence, often referred to as the Shekinah glory. This cloud had guided the Israelites through the wilderness (
Exodus 13:21-22) and now signifies God's approval and presence with His people. The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was a portable earthly dwelling place for God among the Israelites. It was central to their worship and community life, symbolizing God's desire to dwell among His people (
Exodus 25:8). The covering of the Tent by the cloud indicates God's protective and guiding presence, reminiscent of His guidance during the Exodus.
and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
The glory of the LORD, often associated with His holiness and majesty, filled the tabernacle, signifying that God had taken residence among His people. This filling is a divine endorsement of the tabernacle's completion and the obedience of the Israelites in constructing it according to God's instructions (Exodus 40:16-33). The filling of the tabernacle with God's glory parallels the future filling of the temple built by Solomon (1 Kings 8:10-11) and foreshadows the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers (1 Corinthians 3:16). It also points to Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh dwelling among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14), embodying the ultimate presence of God with humanity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The CloudRepresents God's presence and guidance. In the Hebrew text, the word for cloud is (anan), which often signifies divine presence and protection.
2.
The Tent of MeetingAlso known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
3.
The Glory of the LORDThe Hebrew word for glory is (kabod), indicating the weighty, majestic presence of God that filled the tabernacle.
4.
The TabernacleA sacred place where God chose to dwell among His people, symbolizing His desire to be near them and guide them.
5.
MosesAs the leader of the Israelites, Moses was instrumental in the construction of the Tabernacle according to God's instructions.
Teaching Points
God's PresenceThe cloud covering the Tent of Meeting signifies God's desire to be present with His people. We can seek His presence in our daily lives through prayer and worship.
Holiness and ReverenceThe filling of the Tabernacle with God's glory reminds us of the holiness of God. We should approach Him with reverence and awe.
Guidance and ProtectionJust as the cloud guided the Israelites, we can trust God to guide and protect us in our life's journey.
Obedience to God's InstructionsMoses and the Israelites followed God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle. We are called to obey God's Word in our lives.
God's FaithfulnessThe presence of God in the Tabernacle is a testament to His faithfulness to His promises. We can rely on His faithfulness in our own lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 40:34?
2.How does God's glory filling the tabernacle in Exodus 40:34 inspire our worship?
3.What does Exodus 40:34 teach about God's presence among His people today?
4.How can we prepare our hearts to be filled with God's glory daily?
5.How does Exodus 40:34 connect to God's presence in the New Testament?
6.What steps can we take to invite God's presence into our lives consistently?
7.What does Exodus 40:34 reveal about God's presence among the Israelites?
8.How does the cloud in Exodus 40:34 symbolize divine guidance?
9.Why is the tabernacle significant in Exodus 40:34?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 40?
11.Why is there so little archaeological evidence for a massive tabernacle project described in Exodus 36?
12.(2 Chronicles 7:2) Is there any external testimony or archaeological proof that the glory of the Lord physically filled the temple to the point priests could not enter?
13.What do God's presence and omnipresence mean?
14.What does "From Glory to Glory" mean?What Does Exodus 40:34 Mean
Then- The word marks a precise moment: the instant the tabernacle was finished exactly as God commanded (Exodus 40:16-33).
- Sequence matters. Obedience preceded manifestation; when Moses “finished the work” (v. 33), God responded.
- Similar divine timing appears when Solomon completed the temple and “the cloud filled the house of the LORD” (1 Kings 8:10-11). God visibly honors completed obedience.
the cloud- This is the same cloud that led Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 13:21-22) and stood between Israel and Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14:19-20).
- It is not a mere weather event; it is the tangible sign of God’s presence.
- InNumbers 9:15-17 the cloud rests on the tabernacle by day and fire by night, guiding Israel’s every move.
- The consistency of the cloud underscores God’s faithfulness—He accompanies His people from deliverance to worship.
covered the Tent of Meeting- “Covered” pictures complete enveloping, much like God “overshadowed” Mount Sinai with smoke and fire (Exodus 19:18-20).
- The Tent is now hidden under God’s presence, emphasizing holiness and separation.
-Psalm 91:4 uses similar imagery: “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge,” pointing to protective intimacy.
and the glory of the LORD- Glory (kabod) describes the weighty, radiant manifestation of God’s character.
- Earlier glimpses: Moses on Sinai (Exodus 33:18-23; 34:5-7) and the elders seeing God’s glory over a sapphire pavement (Exodus 24:9-10).
- Future echoes: Isaiah’s temple vision (Isaiah 6:1-4) and the transfiguration of Christ where “His face shone like the sun” (Matthew 17:2).
- This glory is distinct from the cloud yet inseparable—the cloud veils, the glory dazzles.
filled the tabernacle- “Filled” means no room for anything else; God now dwells among His people exactly as promised inExodus 25:8: “Have them make a sanctuary for Me, and I will dwell among them.”
- Moses cannot enter (Exodus 40:35), highlighting God’s sovereignty and man’s need for mediation—a role later served by the priests, and ultimately by Christ (Hebrews 9:11-12).
- The same verb appears when the Spirit fills believers at Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4), showing continuity in God’s desire to inhabit His people.
-Revelation 21:3 looks ahead: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man,” a permanent fulfillment of this momentary filling.
summaryExodus 40:34 records the climactic moment when obedient craftsmanship met divine presence. The guiding cloud becomes the covering cloud, the radiant glory overwhelms the structure, and God literally moves in. From this point forward Israel’s camp revolves around the occupied tabernacle, just as every believer’s life is meant to center on the indwelling Lord who still delights to fill what is yielded to Him.
THE DESCENT OF THE GLOEY OF GOD UPON THE TABERNACLE.
(34)Then a cloud.--Heb.,the cloud, i.e.,the same cloud that had accompanied the host and directed their journeys from Succoth (Exodus 13:20-22).
Covered the tent.--The cloud rested on the tent outside; the "glory of God,"--some ineffably brilliant appearance--entered inside, and "filled" the entire dwelling. It pleased God thus to manifest His intention of making good His promise to go with the people in person (Exodus 33:17).
Verses 34-38. - THE DESCENT OF THE GLORY OF GOD ON THE COMPLETED WORK. The work was finished the fist incense burnt (ver. 27) - the first sacrifice offered (ver. 29). Those who had watched the proceedings, and those who had been engaged in them, were probably about to retire to rest. Even Moses had withdrawn, and left the tabernacle to itself - when suddenly, there was a manifestation of Divine Power. The cloud, which had gone before the Israelites from Succoth onward (
Exodus 13:20-22), and which had recently settled upon the extemporised "Tent of Meeting" (
Exodus 33:9), left its place, and "covered" the newly-erected structure externally (ver. 34), while an intensely brilliant light - here called "the glory of God" - filled the whole interior of the tabernacle (
ib,). Moses, it appears, would fain have re-entered the tabernacle - to see the great sight" (
Exodus 3:3); but he could not - the "glory" was too dazzling (ver. 35). Thus a distinct approval was given to all that had been done. God accepted his house, and entered it. The people saw that he had foregone his wrath, and would be content henceforth to dwell among them and journey with them. Henceforth, throughout the wanderings, the cloud and tabernacle were inseparable. If the cloud was lifted a little off it and moved in front, the tabernacle had to follow (ver. 36) - if it settled down on the roof, the people stopped and remained until it moved again (ver. 37). The appearance was as of a cloud by day, and as of fire by night, so that all could always see where the tabernacle was, and whether it was stationary or in motion (ver. 38). After the first descent, it would seem that "the glory" withdrew into the Holy of Holies, so that both Moses and the priests could enter the holy place, and minister there (
Leviticus 8:10;
Leviticus 10:13, etc.).
Verse 34. -
Then a cloud. In the original "the cloud,"
i.e. the cloud so often spoken of (
Exodus 13:21, 22;
Exodus 14:19, 20, 24;
Exodus 19:9;
Exodus 24:15-18;
Exodus 33:9, 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.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the cloudהֶעָנָ֖ן(he·‘ā·nān)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051:A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloudcoveredוַיְכַ֥ס(way·ḵas)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3680:To plump, fill up hollows, to coverthe Tentאֹ֣הֶל(’ō·hel)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168:A tentof Meeting,מוֹעֵ֑ד(mō·w·‘êḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meetingand the gloryוּכְב֣וֹד(ū·ḵə·ḇō·wḏ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3519:Weight, splendor, copiousnessof the LORDיְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelfilledמָלֵ֖א(mā·lê)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4390:To fill, be full ofthe tabernacle.הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃(ham·miš·kān)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908:A residence, the Tabernacle
Links
Exodus 40:34 NIVExodus 40:34 NLTExodus 40:34 ESVExodus 40:34 NASBExodus 40:34 KJV
Exodus 40:34 BibleApps.comExodus 40:34 Biblia ParalelaExodus 40:34 Chinese BibleExodus 40:34 French BibleExodus 40:34 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 40:34 Then the cloud covered the Tent (Exo. Ex) 
