36
Throughout all their journeys1whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out;
37
but 2if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up.
38
For throughout all their journeys, 3the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.
This chapter contains the order for setting up the tabernacle, and placing the furniture of it where it was the will of God it should be put, Ex 40:1-8 and for the anointing it, and all its vessels, and also Aaron and his sons, Ex 40:9-16 all which were accordingly done, the tabernacle was reared up, and everything was put in its proper place, Ex 40:16-33 upon which a cloud covered the tent, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle, so that Moses could not enter; which cloud afterwards was a direction in their journeys, by night and by day, Ex 40:34-38.