MPV Commentary

The Tabernacle Reared and Anointed.

2 On the first day of the first month, Moses began to assemble the tabernacle. This was six months after the Israelites had left Egypt. It's surprising that so much time was spent preparing a movable tent, but its vast size and intricate furnishings required it. The entire edifice included the tabernacle itself and its covering.

15 Anointing the tabernacle and its furniture with sacred oil was a significant ritual. However, the ceremony wasn't performed exactly as it had been for Aaron's ancestors (Exodus 29:21; Leviticus 8:30). The anointing oil was sprinkled over the garments of Aaron and his sons, but not poured over their heads. This distinction was reserved for the high priest.

16 Moses carefully followed God's instructions in setting up the tabernacle and its furnishings. He conformed to the "pattern" exactly as he had been commanded (Exodus 25:9).

33 When the work on the tabernacle was finished, Moses inaugurated it according to God's instructions. The people were summoned from their tents and gathered around the newly erected tabernacle in a calm and orderly arrangement.

34 A cloud, symbolizing the Divine Presence, appeared above the tabernacle. This cloud had been seen at a distance on Mount Sinai, but now it was descending towards the plain below. Its appearance was a token of God's presence and protection for the tabernacle from the harsh desert climate. The cloud also represented the Mosaic dispensation, which, although a revelation from heaven, left many things obscure.

35 When the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle, it was like light and fire, a created splendor that symbolized God's presence. This miraculous event showed that the glory was not limited to the cloud but could emanate from it. The fact that the glory didn't harm any part of the tabernacle, including its curtains or furniture, demonstrated its supernatural character.

36 Moses couldn't enter the tent of the congregation because he was overwhelmed by the unclouded effulgence of God's presence. However, through faith in Jesus Christ, we can now approach God with confidence and love. Jesus, who reflected the brightness of the Father's glory, has invited us to come boldly to the mercy seat.

37 When the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, it guided the Israelites on their journeys and regulated their encampments (Psalm 29:1-11; 105:1-45). The cloud served as a symbol of God's presence and protection for the people. In a similar way, the written Word of God serves as our guide in faith, leading us through life's challenges and uncertainties.

38 From this point on, the cloud was seen only above the tabernacle, indicating that God's presence was now specifically associated with this sacred place. The Israelites were to look to the tabernacle for guidance, just as we today look to the written Word of God as our guide in faith (Numbers 9:15-23).