Exodus 40:36

And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:

And when the cloud {H6051} was taken up {H5927} from {H5921} over the tabernacle {H4908}, the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} went onward {H5265} in all their journeys {H4550}:

Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Isra'el continued with all their travels.

Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey.

And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward, throughout all their journeys:

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 40:36 (KJV)

Exodus 40:36 is a concise yet profound verse that encapsulates the core principle of Israel's journey through the wilderness: their absolute dependence on God's direct guidance. It describes the signal for their movement:

"And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:"

Context

This verse concludes the Book of Exodus, following the detailed instructions for and the successful completion of the Tabernacle. The previous verses (Exodus 40:34-35) describe the glory of the Lord filling the newly consecrated Tabernacle, signifying God's tangible presence among His people. Exodus 40:36-38 then summarize the divine system for guiding Israel's wilderness wanderings. The cloud, also appearing as a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21), was the visible manifestation of God's presence and direction. It was the ultimate GPS for the millions of Israelites, dictating every stop and start of their long journey towards the Promised Land.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Providence: The most prominent theme is God's active and direct guidance of His people. The movement of the cloud was a clear, unmistakable signal, demonstrating that God was intimately involved in every step of their lives. This highlights God's meticulous care and provision for His chosen nation.
  • Obedience and Dependence: The Israelites' willingness to move only when the cloud lifted, and to remain encamped as long as it rested, showcases their profound obedience and dependence on God. Their entire existence in the wilderness was dictated by His leading, teaching them to trust His timing and direction implicitly. This was a crucial lesson in faith for a people learning to live under divine covenant.
  • God's Constant Presence: The cloud symbolized God's enduring presence with Israel. Whether stationary or moving, the cloud over the Tabernacle assured them that the Lord was with them, an ever-present guide and protector. This constant divine companionship was vital for their survival and spiritual formation in the harsh wilderness environment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cloud" is โ€˜anan (ืขึธื ึธืŸ), a common term, but its significance here is profoundly theological, representing the Shekinah glory, the visible manifestation of God's presence. "Taken up" (ื ึทืขึฒืœึธื”, na'alah) literally means to "ascend" or "go up," clearly indicating a deliberate and visible movement that served as the divine signal for the vast encampment to prepare for travel.

Practical Application

While we no longer see a literal cloud guiding our daily lives, Exodus 40:36 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Seeking God's Direction: Just as Israel waited for the cloud, we are called to wait on the Lord and seek His will through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our "journeys" through life should be undertaken in dependence on Him, not merely on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
  • Trusting God's Timing: The cloud's movement taught patience and trust in God's perfect timing. Sometimes God calls us to wait, and other times to move swiftly. Discerning and submitting to His timing is crucial for spiritual growth and success.
  • Living in Obedience: The immediate response of the Israelites to the cloud's movement highlights the importance of prompt obedience to God's revealed will. Our faith is demonstrated not just by listening to God's voice, but by actively following His leading.
  • Assurance of God's Presence: This verse reminds us that God is always with His people, even in challenging "wilderness" seasons. His presence is our comfort, our guide, and our strength, empowering us to go "onward" in all our life's journeys.
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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

  • Nehemiah 9:19 (5 votes)

    Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.

  • Exodus 13:21 (3 votes)

    And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

  • Exodus 13:22 (3 votes)

    He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, [from] before the people.

  • Numbers 9:17 (3 votes)

    And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.

  • Numbers 10:33 (2 votes)

    And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.

  • Numbers 10:36 (2 votes)

    And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel.

  • Psalms 105:39 (2 votes)

    He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.