The LORD Comes Home | Exodus 40:34-38
In the introduction to his excellent commentary on the book of Exodus, Philip Ryken writes,
“Exodus is an epic tale of fire, sand, wind, and water. The adventure takes place under the hot desert sun, just beyond the shadow of the Great Pyramids. There are two mighty nations – Israel and Egypt – led by two great men – Moses the liberating hero and Pharaoh the enslaving villain.
Almost every scene is a masterpiece. The baby in the basket, the burning bush, the river of blood and the other plagues, the angel of death, the crossing of the Red Sea, the manna in the wilderness, the water from the rock, the thunder and lightning on the mountain, the Ten Commandments, the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, the golden calf, the glory in the tabernacle. Once heard, the story is never forgotten.”
—Philip Ryken
I’ve been praying that the book of Exodus, revealing to us a God who saves, a God who delivers His people from bondage, might be for us a story that is never forgotten.
Something else I pray that might NOT be forgotten is the setting of the original audience to whom this remarkable book was written. Most scholars agree that Moses wrote the first five books of the OT (known as the Pentateuch), including the book of Exodus, to the generation of Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. They were a people who had witnessed their entire previous generation die in the wilderness. If you have buried relatives and loved ones, you have lived what these Israelites have lived.
The book of Exodus is addressed to a generation that had known nothing but wandering in “the land in between.” No purpose. No place. Just total dependence on God alone for provision, and for their physical, emotional, spiritual well-being. If you have lived through seasons without vocational clarity, or relational security, or sustained periods of unsettledness, you have tasted of the only life these Israelites had ever known.
But now they are about to step into a place they had never been before. They were about to engage with people groups they had not known before. And like us, when we are about to cross over a threshold into something new, something completely different, there is an obvious mixture of eager anticipation, as well as some degree of elevated anxiety. The people were aware of eye-witness reports of giants in the land. The place in which they were about to set foot was inhabited by hostile forces with grim and battle-tested warriors. They clearly understood they were about to get into a fight. And because God was in it, they also anticipated miracles, but not without set-backs. They could expect days of victory, but not without some losses. There would no doubt be times of joy-filled wonder, as well as days marked by inevitable heartache.
And there’s one more thing they knew - something that would certainly have cast no small tint on how they heard and received God’s Word in this book. Moses, the man who had led the prior generation out of Egypt, Moses, their God-ordained mediator, Moses, the man who had been a constant for this current generation, Moses, under whose leadership they had been born and raised, this Moses would NOT be entering the Promised Land with them. Moses would get no closer to the Promised Land than his long-distance view from the top of Mt Nebo. He would not set foot in the Promised Land. The people to whom the book of Exodus was first addressed, were entering the next chapter of their lives, without Moses. A new man, a new leader, Moses’ apprentice, by the name of Joshua, would go before them into their future.
And it was into that particular reality that God gave the book of Exodus. Its message was intended to strengthen their faith, to put steel into the backbone of their courage, and to engender assurance that God was with them in this new chapter, in this new place, under this new leadership.
Today the journey through the book of Exodus that we began 15 months ago, will come to an end. But the meaning and the significance of this epic story is intended by God to remain with us and get things done in us, as the text says, “throughout all our journeys.”
So Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
—Exodus 40:33b-38
With these last five verses, the book of Exodus reaches a fitting and beautiful climax. It is a fitting climax, in that the entire storyline of Exodus has been pointing, reaching, longing for this moment when the LORD Himself would finally come and take up residence with His people. In Ex. 25:8, God said,
Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.
—Exodus 25:8
And that promise was a reverberation of God’s first promise to Moses, made way back in Ex. 3:12.
I will be with you . . . I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to . . . a land flowing with milk and honey.
—Exodus 3:12, 17
And as the narrative unfolds, the expectation of the fulfillment of this promise of God’s residence with this people only intensified. Ex. 29:45-46,
I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them.
—Exodus 29:45-46
And of course, then God provides the detailed instruction for the place where He would reside. And not without some poignant drama, the construction of the Lord’s dwelling place was completed. And now, in Ex. 40:34-38, the time has finally arrived for the Lord to come and move in. V. 34,
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle . . . (35) the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
—Exodus 40:34-35
But this climactic moment is not just a matter of fact. It is of such wonderful significance, that the text itself highlights it as the beautiful, literary/poetic climax to the book. Notice the repetition of key words. The “cloud” is mentioned in each verse in relation to the tabernacle, or “tent of meeting.” V. 34,
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting . . . (35) the cloud settled on it . . . and filled the tabernacle . . . (36) Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out . . . (37) If the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out . . . (38) The cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle . . . throughout all their journeys.
—Exodus 40:34-38
The people had seen glimpses of God’s glory before. They had seen it in the pillar of cloud and fire that protected them from Pharaoh’s army and guided them through the wilderness. They had seen it in the miracle at the Red Sea, when God was glorified in the deliverance of Israel and the destruction of Egypt. They had seen glory in the fire and smoke on the distant heights of Mt. Sinai. Moses had seen the glory too (or at least the back side of it) when he met with God on the mountain. But neither Moses nor the Israelites had seen the glory come down to earth in all its radiant splendor, as it did when it hovered over the tabernacle, filling that sacred space with glory.
The text draws our attention to the fact that the glory that filled the tabernacle at that moment was beautiful! It was a spectacular display of the radiance of God’s being. Phil Ryken observes,
“The God of the exodus – the God of power, who made the heavens and the earth, the God of justice, who plagued the Egyptians, the God of love who kept his covenant with Israel, the God of truth, who gave them his law, the God of mercy, who atoned for their sins, the God of holiness, who set them apart for service – this great God was present in glory. When the people looked at the tabernacle, they could see that God was in the house.”
—Philip Ryken
And with that, God’s purpose to dwell with His people is now fulfilled. And that is the meaning and the main point of Ex. 40:34-38. The LORD has come home.
The LORD Has Come Home
The LORD has come home. He is there. He has settled in. And He is present with His people, resident with His people by day and by night, and throughout all their journeys.
My dad passed away in Sept. 2000 – 23 years ago. There are times when I suddenly and surprisingly find myself missing him – missing his presence. It’s at this time of year, in particular, when his absence feels more poignant. I believe that’s, in part, because it was often during the holidays when he would take work hours in order to earn time and a half pay. My dad was a civilian employee for the US Air Force. He worked at a radar tracking station about a 45 min. drive from our home. And at this time of year, when the weather in north-central MN could be challenging, it’s funny, I can still vividly feel the emotions of peace and joy and comfort and the pleasure I felt back then when we’d see the lights in the driveway, and hear the garage door open, and his footsteps as he entered the house. Perhaps your kids feel the same joy when you come home. Perhaps your parents feel the same comfort when you come home. Presence is a precious gift.
Have you found the LORD’s presence familiar enough, sweet enough, that though your world might be dark, or cold, or unsettled, or your future uncertain, all is well because He is at home in your heart. Loved ones, the climactic ending of the book of Exodus is that the LORD has come home. And though a new chapter is about to begin, ALL IS WELL. And there is no time when, and no place throughout all their journeys where God is NOT with His people.
And this truth is intended to function in a particular and powerful way in their lives, AND our lives for at least four reasons. It’s because the LORD comes eagerly. The LORD comes mercifully. The LORD comes purposefully. And the LORD comes faithfully. First,
The LORD Comes Eagerly
There is a grammatical note of promptness with regard to the LORD’s coming in v. 34. The work on tabernacle and the altar and the gate is barely finished when the cloud of God’s presence descends. Beginning in v. 33 again,
So Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
—Exodus 40:33b-34
One commentator observes that the grammar indicates a near impatience and urgency. Alec Motyer writes,
“It is as though the LORD can’t wait to come and live with his people.”
—Alec Motyer
Have you considered, even this morning, that the LORD can’t wait to reveal Himself to you? That the LORD can’t wait to meet with you, to commune with you, to communicate Himself to you? Just imagine how that perspective might change the way you pray, and worship, and give attention to God’s Word.
In the gospel of John, chapter 7, it is the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles. It’s the celebration of God’s coming and making His home among His people. And on that day, it says that,
Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive.
—John 7:37-39
The promise of the Spirit is a reference to God’s freeness and readiness and eagerness to pour out His manifest presence to His people. And in Luke 11:13, Jesus says,
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
—Luke 11:13
What’s your perception of the Lord, and of His disposition toward you? If you care, and you come eagerly at the request of your children, how much more will your heavenly Father come eagerly bearing the good gifts of His nearness?
On those days when I wake up with the devil sitting on my face, and my heart is cold and dull and distracted and disinterested, I find it helpful to remember that my heavenly Father is knocking, and can’t wait to come and bestow grace, and communicate His presence, and pour out the treasures of His wisdom, and comfort, and encouragement, and direction. Loved ones, Jesus announced that the Kingdom of God, the active rule and reign and dominion of God has come. Engage in your prayer time expectantly. Engage in praying for one another expectantly. Engage in worship expectantly. The LORD comes eagerly. 2nd,
The LORD Comes Mercifully
Ex. 40:35 appears at first, like a bit of a curve ball. The work on the tabernacle is done. The cloud of God’s presence comes down. The glory of the LORD fills the house. And then v. 35,
And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
—Exodus 40:35
What? Wasn’t it God’s good pleasure to dwell with His people? Has the LORD come home, but is NOT “at home” to callers? It may be reading between the lines, but one gets the impression, Moses tried to draw near, but found that he couldn’t.
But there is actually nothing new here. Moses was never allowed into God’s presence without an invitation. In Ex. 24 15-16, you may remember, Moses waited six days before the LORD called Him into His presence.
It’s important for us to remember that the white hot intensity of the LORD’s holiness never diminishes. It’s important for us to remember that the Lord is sovereignly in charge of His own front door. But it’s equally important to remember that God has mercifully made a way for us to enjoy His nearness. Sinners are protected from any lethal dose of His infinite purity on the basis of atonement through the shedding of blood. And Moses’ invitation to draw near was not long in coming. In fact, that merciful invitation comes in the opening verses of the very next book. For it is specifically in the tabernacle where sinners could live in fellowship with the Holy One, and He with them, through sin-atoning sacrifice.
Today, we have a better sacrifice – a once for all sacrifice. We come by the blood of the pure and spotless lamb of God. It is Jesus who is the way, and the truth, and the life. No one can enjoy the fullness of the presence of God except through His sin-atoning sacrifice in our place. What mercy! What kindness! What goodness! What love! It is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone that the LORD comes and dwells among and within us.
Do you find yourself wondering if God has the shades down, and the lights off to you? Then preach the gospel to yourself – again – today. In Christ, the Lord comes mercifully. 3rd,
The LORD Comes Purposefully
God is never merely hanging out. He comes actively. He comes dynamically. Vv. 36-37,
Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day it was taken up.
—Exodus 40:36-37
God is going somewhere. And in relationship with Him, we’re going somewhere too. God comes providentially. He sovereignly positions His people for the fulfillment of His purposes. Alec Motyer writes,
“The Lord was effectively among his people and present as the living God, not as though at their disposal, but as the Sovereign One. In active control, care and leadership, he was the same God who led his people in the tricky and testing days between Egypt and Sinai. They were to be at his disposal, not he at theirs. They are his to command.”
—Alec Motyer
Our God is the same God who led His people out of Egypt, through Sinai, and into the Promised Land. So a fitting disposition for us is to humbly and willingly and eagerly say, “Lord, what we doing today?” “Lord, what’s your assignment for me today?” “How would you have me to pray?” “Where would you have me to be engaged in your plans and purpose?” “What have You got going, and how would You have me involved?”
The entire purpose in building the tabernacle had to do with God’s unchanging purpose to dwell among his people, in order to bring them into their promised inheritance. He knows the way. His guidance was less something the people were to look for, as much as something they were to wait for. All they had to do was to rest, wait, and watch, keeping their eyes turned upward, fixed on the presiding presence of God. Our part in living life under the cloud of joy is to set out, stop, stay, or go on as directed. The LORD comes eagerly. The LORD comes mercifully. The LORD comes purposefully. 4th,
The LORD Comes Faithfully
Exodus 40:36-38 are bracketed by the phrase, “throughout all their journeys.” What powerful word – a word so crucial for strengthening our confidence in God’s faithfulness. What about that unanticipated detour? Throughout all their journeys. What about that misstep, that failure? Throughout all their journeys. What about that disastrous and costly decision? Throughout all their journeys. What about that set back, that apparent defeat? Throughout all their journeys.
In God’s book were written, every one of them, the days, the detours, the defeats necessary to form us and deliver us to our eternal inheritance, before any one of them came to be. Therefore, the ground of our confidence, our comfort, our assurance and peace in getting there is NOT us, but rather, the Lord’s faithfulness to His promise, and to His own.
As spectacular was the cloud that covered the tent of meeting, as dramatic was the manifestation of God’s glory that filled the tabernacle, these were mere glimpses of what was yet to be revealed. As we come to the end of Exodus, and as we come to the beginning of the season we call advent, we lift our eyes to the One in whom God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell. John 1:14 says,
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
—John 1:14
Jesus Christ is the dwelling place of God. Jesus Christ is our tabernacle. And as our tabernacle, He is full of the glory of God. And just as his glory is an even greater glory than the glory revealed in that first tent of meeting, so also the comfort of His presence is an even greater help to us on our journey. The LORD of glory is with us. His plan was not simply to save us by dying on the cross for our sins. He laid down His life that He might have a relationship with us that will last through all our journeys.