“And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.”
Context:In the preceding chapters of Exodus, the Israelites had just committed a grave sin by worshipping the golden calf they had fashioned while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. This act of idolatry angered God, and He threatened to withdraw His presence from the midst of the people. Moses, in his role as an intermediary between God and the people, interceded on behalf of Israel and sought reconciliation with the Lord.
The Tabernacle: In this verse, we encounter the "tabernacle," which was a portable tent used for worship and as a meeting place between God and the Israelites. The tabernacle was a crucial element in the Israelites’ worship during their journey through the wilderness. It symbolised God’s dwelling among His people and served as a place for offering sacrifices and seeking His guidance.
Pitched Outside the Camp:After the incident of the golden calf, God’s presence was threatened to be withdrawn from the midst of the people. In response to this, Moses took the tabernacle and pitched it outside the camp, symbolising the distance that now existed between God and the people due to their sin. This act demonstrated the severity of their actions and highlighted the need for repentance and reconciliation.
Tabernacle of the Congregation:The tabernacle is also referred to as the "Tabernacle of the congregation" or the "Tent of Meeting." This name indicates its purpose as a place where God met with His people, a place of worship, prayer, and divine encounter.
Seeking the Lord:The verse mentions that "everyone who sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation." This emphasises the importance of seeking God diligently. Despite the distance, those who desired to draw near to God and find forgiveness for their sins could go to the tabernacle to seek Him.
This passage serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness. When we stray from God’s ways, it creates a distance between us and Him. However, like the Israelites, we have the opportunity to seek God and find reconciliation through repentance and sincere seeking. Just as the tabernacle was the place where people met with God, we can approach God in prayer and through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.
The Importance of Worship and Prayer:The tabernacle represented a designated place of worship, and it reminds us of the significance of setting aside time and space to seek God in prayer, worship, and devotion. It teaches us the importance of having a dedicated space and time to connect with God regularly.
God’s Grace and Presence:Despite the people’s sin, God did not abandon them completely. He provided a means for reconciliation through the tabernacle. This shows God’s grace and willingness to forgive and restore His relationship with His people, which ultimately foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross, through whom we can find forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
In conclusion, Exodus 33:7 teaches us about the significance of seeking God, the importance of worship and prayer, and God’s willingness to forgive and restore a relationship with those who sincerely seek Him. It reminds us of the need for repentance when we fall into sin and the hope we have in Jesus Christ as our mediator and Saviour.
