The cloud of the LORD

Bible Readings for Monday, October 22: Psalm 39, Exodus 40

Exodus 40

This image of "the cloud of the LORD" (v. 38) has been a recurring theme in Exodus. It occurs in each of what I would call the three sections of the book:
- Redemption, the exodus ("the way out") itself (ch 1-18);
- The giving of the "words" (or the law or the Torah) (19-24);
- The provision of the "dwelling place" or worship (25-40).

1) We first hear of it in chapter 13:21 - "And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way..." The pillar of cloud appears again in chapter 14 protecting them from the Egyptians.

2) Then the cloud appears in chapter 19 as God prepares the people for the revelation of the law (v. 9) - "And the LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.'" (cf. v. 16). Then again at the end of chapter 24 after the giving of the law, Moses goes up the mountain and the could covered the mountain.

"The glory of the LORD dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the could covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty day and forty nights." (vs. 16-18)

3) And then again, when Moses' work is finished and the "tent of meeting" or the tabernacle (the "mishkan") was all set up, the cloud of the LORD settled on it and the glory of the LORD filled it. The idea of "shekhinah" is connected to the cloud and the fire and the glory. Notice that shekhinah and mishkan sound similar. They are both from the Hebrew root word "sh.k.n." which means dwelling or abode. In its basic verb form it means "to settle down, abide, dwell." And thus the "mishkan" (tabernacle) is the "dwelling place." (cf. Ephesians 2:22; Luke 1:35; Matthew 17:1-8; 2 Peter 1:16-18)

Cloud, fire, glory.
Leading, protecting, revealing.
Dwelling, abiding.
Presence.

Come Holy Spirit.