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.

The Lord saved the Israelites out of Egypt to himself. Then he revealed himself to the Israelites (Exo 24). Now that the Lord had saved them, the Lord opened the way for him to dwell among them, so they could journey to the Promised Land "together" with the Lord and live as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. 

This passage is a shadow of the Lord Jesus the Savior of the world being with those who believe in him, so the believers would bear fruit making disciples of all nations, and successfully finish their holy pilgrimage to God's house (kingdom) (cf. Matthew 28:18-20; Heb 10:1; Col 2:16-17).

Believers in the New Testament era are called to repent and believe in Jesus so they can receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). This passage then helps us to know better the inner workings of the way in which the Holy Spirit comes and works in the lives of all who believe in  the Lord. [For example, the passage shows us what it is to repent and fully commit ourselves to the Lord, for when we repent fully and turn our lives to the Lord, the Lord fills us with his Spirit.]

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

** It consists of three sections: 1) the courtyard; 2) the holy place inside of the inner court; and 3) the most holy place inside of the inner court (Exo 26:33).

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

** The tabernacle originated from the Lord. 

** Its purpose is found in the name of the place called "The Tent of Meeting". The meeting is between unholy people and the holy God. It is impossible for the holy God to meet the  unholy people. Yet the Lord God provided for his children with the way. 

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)

** These items all represent the way in which [sinful] man can approach God, and have a fellowship with him. Read Heb 10:1 and Col 2:16,17; John 14:6

1) The ark stands for the fruit (or the result) of the relationship, that is, love (of God, and of one's neighbors), that should flow from the Lord to all peoples on earth in and through you coming to the Lord. 

2) The altar of incense denotes the privilege for a God's child to converse with God through prayers and supplications.

3) The table of showbread represents the presence of the Israelites by way of representation. On the table were placed twelve loaves of bread with each bread representing each tribe of the Israelites. This arrangement expresses God's desire to ensure that none of his children would be missing from the eating table (cf. Rev 3:20). The table also symbolizes Jesus the bread of life. He not only represents God to us, but also us to God. So when we are in Jesus, Jesus who is in us, approaches God enabling us to have fellowship with God the Father.

4) The lampstand symbolizes the light of God shining through the church that is the body of Christ, where each believer is a member. 

5) The altar stands for (among other meanings) willing dedication with many thanks. On it are offered two kinds of offerings - burnt offerings and grain offerings (40:29). Among other meanings burnt offerings denote full dedication of one's whole person (spirit, will, intellect, emotions, feelings, bodily strengths, etc.) leaving nothing to be wasted or diverted to serving any others (gods or persons) but the Lord, and the Lord alone. [Notice how the burnt offerings are to be fully burnt up so they can rise completely to the Lord even as the smoke rising straight into the thin air to the Lord. The grain offerings denote the expression of one thanking God for God's provisions. 

6) Water basin signifies cleansing of our sins via repentance

7) Courtyard points to a protected environment, protecting a believer from the corruption of the world. It is surrounded by the walls made of curtains. The entrance is to be blocked by a curtain coming in three colors - blue purple and scarlet (Exo 26:36). As each Israelite enters the courtyard he or she is called to leave the [corruption of the] world behind, with the intention to meet the Holy God.  

8) The priesthood represents the mediator between God and men, pointing to Jesus Christ, the only mediator (1Ti 2:5).

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.

** 1) The first expression points to the fact that the worship of God must be distinguished from the worship of false god or gods. It must be different from all other ways [of men attempting to approach the only True God], for the way of salvation is from God, not from man. Man-made religions lead man to destruction. Jesus alone is the Way of salvation provided by God. Deu 4:39; Acs 4:12

2) The second statement (v. 33b) reminds of Jesus who came to finish the work God sent him to do. John 4:34; 5:36 

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? 

** The word "then" indicates that it is only when one follows the way the Lord God provided, one can see God coming to be with him. Acts 2:38  

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

** 1) [All of their] journeys are with the Lord; and 2) it was the Lord who led the journey. Cf. Gal 5:25 The end