The Pillar of Fire

Exodus 40:1-38

Key Verse 40:38

So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

1. Skim through verses 1-33 and describe the layout of the tabernacle. 

2. Read verses 1-2. What does this passage tell us about: 1) the origin of tabernacle; and 2) its purpose?

3. [Optional] Read verses 3-15. What are the symbolic meanings of the following items the Lord God commanded Moses to set up? 

1) the ark of the Testimony 

2) the gold altar of incense

3) the table of showbread

4) the lampstand

5) the altar (of burnt offerings and grain offerings) 

6) the water basin

7) the courtyard

8) the priesthood (Aaron and his sons)

4. Read verses 16-33. Compare verse 16 and verse 33. What is the significance of the following statements?

1) Moses did everything just as the LORD commanded him.

2) And so Moses finished the work.

5. Read verses 34-35 and think about the expressions, "the cloud covered" [or "settled upon it"] and "the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." When did these phenomena take place? 

6. Read verses 36-38. What are the two characteristics of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land?