“And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.”
Context:In this passage, we find ourselves in the book of Exodus, which narrates the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. At this point in the story, Moses has already led the Israelites out of Egypt, witnessed the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, and received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai.
However, prior to Exodus 33, the Israelites had fallen into idolatry, worshipping a golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the commandments. In response to their disobedience, God was angry and threatened to consume them. Moses interceded on behalf of the people, and God relented from destroying them but withdrew His direct presence from the midst of the camp.
Exodus 33:7-11 provides a more extensive account of this event:
“7 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 everyone who sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.
And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle.: 9 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.
And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.
And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.”
- The Tabernacle of the Congregation: After God withdrew His presence from the camp, Moses set up a temporary tabernacle outside the camp. This tabernacle became the meeting place between God and Moses, where Moses sought the Lord on behalf of the people.
- The Cloudy Pillar: The same pillar of cloud that led the Israelites during the day (Exodus 13:21-22) descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle. This cloud represented the visible manifestation of God’s presence, known as the Shekinah glory. The presence of the cloud signified that God was willing to commune with Moses in this special meeting place.
- Face-to-Face Encounter: As Moses entered the tabernacle, God spoke to him “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” This intimate communication signifies the close relationship Moses had with God. The phrase “face to face” does not necessarily mean a literal, physical encounter but rather an intimate and direct form of communication.
- Worship and Reverence: The sight of the cloudy pillar at the tabernacle door prompted the people to rise up and worship. This response highlights the reverence and awe the Israelites had for God’s presence and the recognition of His authority.
- Joshua’s Faithfulness: We also see the faithfulness of Joshua, Moses’ assistant, who remained in the tabernacle even after Moses left. Joshua’s dedication demonstrates a desire to remain close to God and serve Him faithfully.
- Application to Our Lives: This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s presence and guidance in times of difficulty and uncertainty. Moses’ example of interceding for the people teaches us about the power of prayer and God’s willingness to hear our pleas on behalf of others. Additionally, the intimate communication between God and Moses challenges us to develop a deeper, more personal relationship with our Creator.
In conclusion, Exodus 33:9 provides us with a glimpse of Moses’ unique and close relationship with God, emphasising the importance of seeking God’s presence and the power of intercessory prayer. It also encourages us to approach God with reverence and worship, recognising His authority and sovereignty in our lives.
