“Then a Cloud Covered the Tent of the Congregation, and the Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle”
Exodus 40:34–38
34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
35 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.
36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:
37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.
38 For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
Dr. Ellis T. Rasmussen wrote:
“The Lord manifested His acceptance of the tabernacle as His ‘dwelling’ on earth and as a place of worship and communication. When the glorious cloud filled the tabernacle, even Moses could not enter. Compare the spiritual phenomena similarly manifested when the first temple of the latter days was dedicated [see Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols., 2d ed. rev., edited by B. H. Roberts (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932–51), 2:410]. Thereafter, when the cloud moved from the tabernacle, the children of Israel moved; and when it stopped, they stopped and made camp. They should have felt very secure under such a divine favor [see Exodus 40:36–38; but see Numbers 10–11].
“Thus ends Exodus, the record of the exit of Israel from Egypt. With many impressive, spiritual blessings and instructions the Lord prepared the children of Israel for their mission and life in the promised land. Just so will He prepare any who will accept Him for service, life, and joy in His kingdom.”
(A Latter-day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament [1993], 125–26.)
