EXPOSITION
THE DESCENT OF THE GLORY OF GOD ON THE COMPLETED WORK. The work was finished the fist incense burnt (Exodus 40:27)—the first sacrifice offered (Exodus 40:29). Those who had watched the proceedings, and those who had been engaged in them, were probably about to retire to rest. Even Moses had withdrawn, and left the tabernacle to itself—when suddenly, there was a manifestation of Divine Power. The cloud, which had gone before the Israelites from Succoth onward (Exodus 13:20-22), and which had recently settled upon the extemporised "Tent of Meeting" (Exodus 33:9), left its place, and "covered" the newly-erected structure externally (Exodus 40:34), while an intensely brilliant light—here called "the glory of God"—filled the whole interior of the tabernacle (ib,). Moses, it appears, would fain have re-entered the tabernacle—to see the great sight" (Exodus 3:3); but he could not—the "glory" was too dazzling (Exodus 40:35). Thus a distinct approval was given to all that had been done. God accepted his house, and entered it. The people saw that he had foregone his wrath, and would be content henceforth to dwell among them and journey with them. Henceforth, throughout the wanderings, the cloud and tabernacle were inseparable. If the cloud was lifted a little off it and moved in front, the tabernacle had to follow (Exodus 40:36)—if it settled down on the roof, the people stopped and remained until it moved again (Exodus 40:37). The appearance was as of a cloud by day, and as of fire by night, so that all could always see where the tabernacle was, and whether it was stationary or in motion (Exodus 40:38). After the first descent, it would seem that "the glory" withdrew into the Holy of Holies, so that both Moses and the priests could enter the holy place, and minister there (Le Exodus 8:10; Exodus 10:13, etc.).