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Exodus 40:34

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¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Then a cloud {H6051} covered {H3680} the tent {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} filled {H4390} the tabernacle {H4908}.

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of ADONAI filled the tabernacle.

Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of Jehovah filled the tabernacle.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 40:34 (KJV)

This powerful verse marks the climax of the book of Exodus, signifying the successful completion and divine ratification of the Tabernacle. After meticulous instructions and dedicated labor, the structure is finished, and God immediately takes up residence among His people, Israel.

Context

Exodus chapters 35-40 detail the construction and erection of the Tabernacle, its furniture, and the priestly garments, all according to the specific patterns revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai. Chapter 40 records Moses setting up the final components and anointing them. Verse 33 describes Moses finishing the work, and verse 34 follows immediately, showing God's response and affirmation. This moment demonstrates that the Israelites had followed God's instructions precisely, making the Tabernacle a fit dwelling place for the Almighty.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence: The most prominent theme is God's immediate and tangible presence among His people. The cloud and glory are visible signs that God has come down to dwell with Israel.
  • The Glory of the LORD: This refers to the visible manifestation of God's power, majesty, and holiness. Its filling the Tabernacle signifies God's acceptance of the dwelling place prepared for Him.
  • Completion and Acceptance: The verse shows God's approval of the completed work of the Tabernacle, validating the obedience of Moses and the Israelites.
  • Tabernacle's Purpose Fulfilled: The primary purpose of the Tabernacle was to be a place where God would meet with His people (see Exodus 25:22), and this verse confirms its inauguration as such.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "glory" is kabod, which literally means "heavy" or "weighty." In this context, it conveys the immense weight, importance, and overwhelming presence of God's majesty. The word for "filled" (male) implies a complete occupation, indicating that God's glory fully inhabited the Tabernacle, leaving no empty space. The "cloud" (anan) is a recurring biblical symbol of God's presence, often associated with His guidance and protection, as seen in the pillar of cloud that led them through the wilderness.

Practical Application

Exodus 40:34 reminds us that God desires to dwell with His people. While the physical Tabernacle was a temporary dwelling, it prefigured God's continued presence. In the New Testament, believers are taught that their bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the church is built together as a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22). This verse encourages us to live lives that are holy and ready to be filled with the presence and glory of God, recognizing that He still seeks to dwell among and within His people today.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Revelation 15:8 (9 votes)

    And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

  • Numbers 9:15 (8 votes)

    ¶ And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, [namely], the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.

  • Numbers 9:23 (8 votes)

    At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

  • 2 Chronicles 7:2 (7 votes)

    And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house.

  • Exodus 29:43 (6 votes)

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

  • Revelation 21:23 (6 votes)

    And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof.

  • Revelation 21:24 (6 votes)

    And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.