Exodus 13

Exodus 13:34-38

xx. tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36. And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: 37. But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not, till the day that it was taken up. 38. For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys. No sooner is the tent pitched, than the divine inhabitant comes to take up his residence in it; declaring hereby his favour towards them, and his acceptance of their fervices. All the glory of the tabernacle had been useless pomp, without the presence of the Deity: all the gifts and greatness of man, without the in-dwelling of the true Shechinah, are no better than the miserable ruins of a desolate palace. The soul is only truly glorious and happy, when it becomes a living temple, an habitation of God through the spirit. 1. There was an awful display of the Divine Majesty. The cloudy pillar from the top of Sinai descends, enters the tabernacle, and passes to the throne between the cherubims; and so transplendent was the brightness, that for a while Moses cannot enter. But though Moses is weak through the flesh, He, who from eternity dwells in the light which no man can approach unto, is now, in our nature, for us entered into the holy place; and not only so, but will open a way for us to follow him, and strengthen us to bear the brightest consecrations of the divine light and glory. 2. This cloud covered the tent, visible to all the host; a constant proof, that God was in the midst of them, and as constant a pledge of his protection. Note, If the Spirit of God and of glory resteth upon us, we may well be comforted; neither sin nor Satan shall be able to destroy us. 3. The cloud directed their journeyings, and guided them in the way, hovering over their tabernacle, till they rested at last in Canaan. Such to every believer is the word of God in his journey to glory. Under its guidance he sets out, and by its light shall he be conducted, till he shall take his last Exodus, his final departure from this sublunary scene, to his mansion in the skies, and his eternal and fixed abode with God in glory. THE