Exodus 33:7

ยถ And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, [that] every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which [was] without the camp.

And Moses {H4872} took {H3947} the tabernacle {H168}, and pitched {H5186} it without {H2351} the camp {H4264}, afar off {H7368} from the camp {H4264}, and called {H7121} it the Tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}. And it came to pass, that every one which sought {H1245} the LORD {H3068} went out {H3318} unto the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, which was without {H2351} the camp {H4264}.

Moshe would take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far away from the camp. He called it the tent of meeting. Everyone who wanted to consult ADONAI would go out to the tent of meeting, outside the camp.

Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it at a distance outside the camp. He called it the Tent of Meeting, and anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.

Now Moses used to take the tent and to pitch it without the camp, afar off from the camp; and he called it, The tent of meeting. And it came to pass, that every one that sought Jehovah went out unto the tent of meeting, which was without the camp.

Commentary

Exodus 33:7 marks a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey, immediately following the devastating incident of the golden calf. This verse describes Moses' action of moving the provisional "tabernacle" outside the camp, signifying a temporary but significant separation between God's immediate presence and the sinful nation.

Historical and Cultural Context

Prior to this, God's presence was ideally meant to be central to the Israelite camp, symbolizing His dwelling among His people. However, the worship of the golden calf (see Exodus 32:1-6) provoked God's wrath and led to His declaration that He would not go up in the midst of a "stiffnecked people" (Exodus 33:3). The moving of the tabernacle, referred to here as the "Tabernacle of the congregation" or "Tent of Meeting," was a direct consequence of this breach of the covenant. It was a visible sign of God's holy nature and the impact of sin on His willingness to dwell in close proximity to unrepentant transgression.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Separation Due to Sin: The physical distance created by moving the tabernacle "without the camp, afar off" powerfully illustrates the spiritual chasm that sin creates between God and humanity. It underscores God's holiness and His inability to countenance sin.
  • The Need to Seek God: Despite the separation, the verse highlights that "every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle." This emphasizes personal initiative and diligence required to draw near to God even when His immediate presence seems withdrawn. It was not enough to be part of the camp; one had to actively pursue the Lord.
  • Moses' Unique Role: Moses' action of pitching the tabernacle and serving as the primary one who met with God there (Exodus 33:9-11) reinforces his role as a mediator and intercessor between God and Israel, a crucial theme throughout the Pentateuch.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Tabernacle of the congregation" is translated from the Hebrew ohel mo'ed (ืึนื”ึถืœ ืžื•ึนืขึตื“), which literally means "Tent of Meeting." This name is significant because it emphasizes that this was the designated place where God would "meet" with Moses and, through him, with the people of Israel. It was the point of divine appointment and communication, a sacred space for communion.

Practical Application

Exodus 33:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of the serious consequences of sin and how it can hinder our fellowship with God. Just as the Israelites experienced a physical distancing of God's presence, unchecked sin can create spiritual distance in our lives. Secondly, it calls for active seeking. Those who truly desired the Lord had to make an effort to go to Him. In the New Covenant, while we don't have a physical tabernacle to visit, the principle remains: drawing near to God requires intentionality and a repentant heart. Through Christ, we now have bold access to the throne of grace, not by going "without the camp," but by faith in His sacrifice and mediation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 55:6

    ยถ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

  • Isaiah 55:7

    Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

  • Proverbs 15:29

    ยถ The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

  • Exodus 29:42

    [This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

  • Exodus 29:43

    And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and [the tabernacle] shall be sanctified by my glory.

  • Isaiah 59:2

    But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.

  • Deuteronomy 4:29

    But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
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