34 Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. 35 Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.
36 Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. 37 But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. 38 The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys.
The cloud of GOD represents the glory of GOD. What is glory? It is defined as praise and honor, glory is also great beauty and splendor, it is also a ring or spot of light. From here the cloud is a light or a halo to signify that GOD is there, His beauty and splendor is made visible by the human eye through the light or halo that covers the tabernacle. It must have been a beautiful scene to witness the glory of GOD. A tabernacle in the olden days is a place of worship. We could say that our place of worship today is in a church, synagogue or mosque. But the place of worship starts from within our hearts, our temple which is our bodies. The glory of GOD is the Holy Spirit working through and within us.
It must be so wonderful to experience GOD settling down on the tabernacle. As the LORD fills the Tabernacle with His glory so should His Holy Presence fill our lives. How do we do this? How do we fill our bodies with His Holy Spirit? By seeking GOD daily, reading His word, knowing His thoughts, understanding His plan and will for our lives. This needs an effort of discipline everyday of cultivating a love relationship and connection with GOD. It requires effort on our part to commit our time to devote ourselves to Him. That is why we are encouraged to have daily devotions, time to be quiet before the LORD for this is how GOD fills our temple (bodies) with His Spirit. And as Israel was led by the cloud of glory during the day and pillar of fire during the night, so should the Cloud of Glory - GOD's Spirit lead our hearts during the day, and guide our minds throughout the night.
36 Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. 37 But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. 38 The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys.
- Exodus 40
The cloud of GOD represents the glory of GOD. What is glory? It is defined as praise and honor, glory is also great beauty and splendor, it is also a ring or spot of light. From here the cloud is a light or a halo to signify that GOD is there, His beauty and splendor is made visible by the human eye through the light or halo that covers the tabernacle. It must have been a beautiful scene to witness the glory of GOD. A tabernacle in the olden days is a place of worship. We could say that our place of worship today is in a church, synagogue or mosque. But the place of worship starts from within our hearts, our temple which is our bodies. The glory of GOD is the Holy Spirit working through and within us.
It must be so wonderful to experience GOD settling down on the tabernacle. As the LORD fills the Tabernacle with His glory so should His Holy Presence fill our lives. How do we do this? How do we fill our bodies with His Holy Spirit? By seeking GOD daily, reading His word, knowing His thoughts, understanding His plan and will for our lives. This needs an effort of discipline everyday of cultivating a love relationship and connection with GOD. It requires effort on our part to commit our time to devote ourselves to Him. That is why we are encouraged to have daily devotions, time to be quiet before the LORD for this is how GOD fills our temple (bodies) with His Spirit. And as Israel was led by the cloud of glory during the day and pillar of fire during the night, so should the Cloud of Glory - GOD's Spirit lead our hearts during the day, and guide our minds throughout the night.
