Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 40:35 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 40:35 is a pivotal verse in the Book of Exodus, a verse that encapsulates the culmination of the Israelites’ long journey through the wilderness and their establishment as a people in the presence of God. The verse, found at the conclusion of the book, states:
“And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:35, KJV)
This verse is not just a historical account but a theological statement about the nature of God’s presence, the holiness of His dwelling, and the reverence required from His people. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and application of Exodus 40:35, as well as its relevance for contemporary believers.
The Context of Exodus 40:35 KJV
Exodus 40 is the final chapter of the Book of Exodus, and it marks the completion of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people during their journey in the wilderness. The events in this chapter occur after the Israelites have received God’s commandments and have constructed the Tabernacle as He instructed. The Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, from Egypt to the Promised Land, had been fraught with challenges, but the construction of the Tabernacle was an important milestone in their journey.
In the earlier verses of Exodus 40, Moses is commanded to set up the Tabernacle and to arrange its furnishings according to God’s specifications. After this, the anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings takes place, and the glory of God fills the place.
The key moment in Exodus 40:35 occurs when Moses, after completing all the work of the Tabernacle, attempts to enter. However, he is unable to enter the Tabernacle because the cloud of God’s presence, the Shekinah glory, rests upon it. This divine presence is so overwhelming and so sacred that Moses, the leader and servant of God, is unable to enter.
This moment underscores a significant theological truth: the holiness and glory of God are so powerful and all-encompassing that no human being can enter into God’s presence without appropriate preparation, reverence, and purification.
The Exodus 40:35 Meaning
To fully grasp the meaning of Exodus 40:35, we must look at the significance of both the cloud and the glory of the Lord. The presence of God is described as a cloud that descends upon the Tabernacle, filling it with the visible manifestation of His glory.
The Cloud: The cloud in Exodus 40:35 is a representation of God’s presence with His people. Throughout the Book of Exodus, the cloud is mentioned as a visible sign of God’s guidance and presence. In Exodus 13:21-22, the Lord leads the Israelites through the wilderness by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The cloud represents God’s continuous presence with His people, guiding them and protecting them.
In Exodus 40:35, the cloud signifies the fullness of God’s presence coming to rest upon the Tabernacle, making it holy and sanctified. The cloud serves as a barrier between the holy God and sinful humanity, a reminder that God’s presence is not something to be approached casually. The inability of Moses to enter the Tabernacle reflects the holiness of God that demands reverence.
The Glory of the Lord: The glory of the Lord, referred to in this verse as having “filled the Tabernacle,” points to the visible manifestation of God’s divine presence. The Hebrew word for “glory” in this context is kabod, meaning weight, honor, or splendor. This is the same glory that filled the Tabernacle when it was completed, and it is a tangible, visible expression of God’s majesty and holiness.
The glory of the Lord is not just an abstract idea; it is a real, overwhelming presence that has the power to fill the Tabernacle and prevent Moses, the most exalted servant of God, from entering. It is a testament to the holiness and transcendence of God. The glory of the Lord signifies that God is not distant or detached from His people, but He desires to dwell with them—though only in His perfect holiness.
In essence, Exodus 40:35 highlights the overwhelming holiness of God’s presence and the need for proper reverence and sanctification when encountering God. The Tabernacle was now the place where God would dwell among His people, but that dwelling required an acknowledgment of God’s glory, holiness, and majesty.
Exodus 40:35 Application in Life
Exodus 40:35 has profound implications for how we live today, as it calls believers to recognize and respect the holiness and glory of God. The application of this verse can be seen in several aspects of the Christian life:
Recognizing God’s Holiness: Exodus 40:35 serves as a reminder of the holiness of God. In the Christian faith, God is not merely a distant, impersonal force; He is a holy, sovereign being whose presence demands respect. This verse challenges us to approach God with awe, reverence, and humility. Just as Moses could not enter the Tabernacle in the presence of God’s glory, we too must approach God with a sense of reverence and recognition of His holiness.
God’s Presence Among His People: The Tabernacle represented the presence of God dwelling among His people. In the New Testament, this concept is further developed with the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and just as the Tabernacle was to be holy and sanctified, so too must our lives reflect God’s presence. Exodus 40:35 reminds us that God’s presence is not something to be taken lightly or treated casually. It calls us to live lives that honor God, acknowledging His indwelling presence and holiness.
Humility Before God: Moses was unable to enter the Tabernacle because of God’s glory. This teaches us humility before God. As humans, we are inherently unworthy of God’s direct presence, but through the work of Jesus Christ, we can now approach God with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). However, we should never take this access to God for granted. We should approach Him in humility, understanding that our access is made possible only through Christ’s sacrifice.
Seeking God’s Presence: The cloud in Exodus 40:35 is a visible sign of God’s presence. While we may not see a physical cloud today, God’s presence is still real and available to us. Exodus 40:35 encourages us to earnestly seek God’s presence in our daily lives. Whether through prayer, worship, or reading Scripture, believers are called to seek God’s presence actively. God desires to be with His people, and it is in His presence that we find peace, strength, and renewal.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 40:35 is not an isolated verse but is part of a broader biblical theme concerning God’s holiness and His presence. Let’s compare it with a few other key texts:
Leviticus 9:23-24: “And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” This passage also highlights the manifest glory of God and the awe it inspires in His people. The appearance of God’s glory is both a blessing and a reminder of His holiness.
1 Kings 8:10-11: “And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord.” Here, the glory of the Lord fills the Temple, echoing the scene in Exodus 40. Both passages emphasize the overwhelming nature of God’s glory and the inability of humans to stand before it without proper sanctification.
Revelation 21:3-4: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” In the New Testament, the idea of God dwelling with His people is fully realized in the person of Jesus Christ and ultimately in the New Jerusalem. Exodus 40:35 points to the future fulfillment of God’s dwelling with His people.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 40:35 continues to hold profound relevance for believers today, particularly in understanding the nature of God’s holiness and His presence. Here are a few ways this verse is relevant for modern Christians:
Reverence in Worship: In today’s culture, it is easy to become casual in our approach to God, especially in worship settings. Exodus 40:35 reminds us that God is holy and that worship should be approached with reverence and awe. Our worship should reflect God’s majesty, acknowledging His holiness and the privilege it is to enter into His presence.
God’s Desire to Dwell with His People: The Tabernacle was a place where God chose to dwell among His people. Similarly, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, God desires to dwell with believers today. This truth provides comfort, encouragement, and a call to live in close relationship with God.
Living as Temples of the Holy Spirit: Exodus 40:35 points to the significance of the physical space where God dwells. In the New Testament, believers are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This verse challenges us to live holy lives, understanding that God’s presence resides within us and that our bodies are sacred.
Conclusion
Exodus 40:35 holds rich theological significance for Christians today. It teaches us about the holiness and glory of God, the proper way to approach His presence, and the importance of reverence and humility. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded that God is a holy and awesome God, and we are called to honor and respect His presence in our lives. The glory of the Lord fills the Tabernacle, and as believers, we are privileged to experience His presence in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Let us approach God with reverence, knowing that He desires to dwell with us and empower us for His service.
Exodus 40:35 Commentary
Exodus 40:35 emphasizes the sanctity of God’s presence. The cloud and the glory of the Lord signify God’s transcendence and immanence—He is both beyond human comprehension and present with His people. The verse teaches us that God’s holiness is not to be trifled with and that it is only through His grace that anyone can approach Him.
Related topics:
- Exodus 40:34 Meaning, Context & Commentary
- What Does Exodus 40:33 Mean?
- Exodus 40:32 Meaning, Context & Commentary