Bible Discussion Thread

At this stage in Exodus 40; the Tabernacle was finally prepared; with the ark of the Testimony; and the candle along with the items within the ark and exterior decorations commanded. At this point; the glory filled the Tabernacle (verse 34). Moses and Aaron joined the tent of the congregation and immediately when God's presence came even Moses couldn't enter because of the Presence. It was once again a "fire by night"; and the cloud was there during the day (verse 40); probably the same appearance as the smoke in earlier passages.

The earlier chapters show the great struggles that Moses endured; along with the patience of God and evidence of the Godhead. It would appear that the "Angel" God promised to send that is seen not only in Exodus but other parts of the Pantetauch (can't spell that right) was none other than Christ Himself. Moses had acted as a sort of intercessor; who stopped God from breaking out and destroying all the rebels after the abominable golden calf episode. Christ; of course would be the final fulfillment of the intercessor for all of the sin of God's elect; and Himself be the sacrifice. This seeming dichotomy of wrath and sacrificial love; grace and mercy between the Father and Son gives us some insight into the "hidden things of God" ( Deut. 29:29). Overall; we see how God has the characteristics of perfect love and perfect wrath and yet is not in conflict because of this. We need to remember that it was God who loved the world ( John 3:16) who; because He can't look at sin and we can't endure His full presence and live; that He had to send His son as a propitiation for our sins. This would satisfy the Father to crush His son ( Isaiah 53 and other passages).

Although the sacrifices at the Temple are no longer needed; it appears that a memorial or ceremonial Temple will be on earth in the future ( Ezekiel 48). The earthly construction was a representation of the heavenly pattern; with Cherubim and the design overall.

I imagine elsewhere in your commentaries that you have pointed out the similarity of the presence of God described in Exodus as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to the manifestation of God's presence that passed between the pieces of the sacrifice Abraham was command to make when God established the Covenant of the promise of the land with him in Genesis 15:17. Abraham saw a smoking furnace and a burning lamp, which to me suggests that the source of the pillar of cloud (smoke?) was connected to God's revelation in wrath and the source of the pillar of fire was connected to God's revelation through His Word acting as a lamp unto our feet even at night. Could you give your thoughts (again?) on the connection between what Abraham saw and Moses and the Israelites saw, since I appear to have missed it in what I have read so far in your commentaries?

I got it wrong. In Leviticus (chapter 4 or 5 I think) there is a mention of the perpetual fire of the sacrifice that was NEVER to be put out day and night. THAT was what I believe finally went out around AD 70. It would be an extrabiblical text. Clearly, when the curtain rent after the death of Messiah the inner sanctuary was accessible to all believers through His death and subsequent Resurrection. It would seem that the further sacrifices would no longer be effective at best; perhaps there somehow was some protection until that generation passed before the inevitable judgment came in time and space. We are reminded of Hebrews here where Christ ever intercedes for us at the right hand of God for the propitiation of our sins (may be one or two verses).

In the sacrifices; it is also interesting that His blood covers the mercy seat in heaven; and it is certainly possible that in Isaiah where He returns with garments dipped in blood (also in Revelation in Armageddon)-that could literally be the blood of His sacrifice. That would show that we are either covered by His blood or our blood will be required (or explains the verse of falling on Him or the ROCK falling on us).

Actually, Rich, you comment was really good. Thank you for bringing us this interpretation to consider.

Hope you have a good day.

Just to expand a little on my comment, I notice that Abraham saw the two manifestations of God together in the dark of night when the covenant of the land was made, while in Exodus the two manifestations always appear separated by day and night in Exodus as far as I am aware. I am not sure what that difference means, but it reminds me that the Spirit of God was over the waters in the dark when light is first spoken into being and then the separation of day and night occurs in the first day of the current creation.

Abraham's covenant of the land is given to his seed, which Paul says is Christ. In Christ, God's Word and His wrath are once again united at the cross where the New Covenant in Christ's blood is established. Coincidence? New creation? Just something to ponder.

I was thinking of the initial part of the Exodus and later on after the Tabernacle was completed. This would correspond also to the later building of the much more ornate and sizeable temple under Solomon; which indeed is probably the last time that there was such a presence there outwardly visible. It is said at the time of AD 70 and the fulfullment of the judgment of the Lord on Israel that was to happen before that generation passed that there were supernatural events. I believe at that time there was some sort of continual burning candle that went out if I am correct about that.

Today; I was comparing the bowl judgment when no man can stand in the inner court of the HEAVENLY temple until the judgments were complete. I don't know any other passages that compare with Exodus 40 where even the most godly person; or the Levite priest sanctioned to enter the Holy of Holies annually was not allowed in there. In Revelation; it shows a sort of finality; just as it did to the Egyptians at the finale of their judgments and just prior in the Dead Sea. It is noteworthy that in the seal and trumpet judgments; prayers came up as incense before the Lord. It would seem that at the consummation of events the Lord acts in this way. It is noteworthy that the rebellion of Israel was the only thing that took that glory away; as God had and still in fact retains certain covenant promises. Mercifully; now with Christ His Spirit dwells within our body; i.e. His Body or Tabernacle and we are "sealed until the day of redemption." (Ephesians). He has kept His face hidden for our own good; for in all His glory no man can stand.

I'm new at this commentary stuff; it is helping me study the Word better. I'm certain others can give more detailed responses. I didn't have a theme here that I put any real time or study into; it was just a thought.

Agape. Rich P

Rich,

I think you dos just fine in your post. It gives us food for thought