Exodus 40:36

36 Whenever the cloud rose from the dwelling, the Israelites would set out on their journeys.

Exodus 40:36 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 40:36

And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle,
&c.] By the Lord himself, or it removed by his order, that is, rose up and stood above the tabernacle, and appeared in the form of a pillar, and went before it:

the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys;
the motion of the cloud was a direction to set forward and continue their journey as long as it lasted; but when it rested and abode upon the tabernacle, then they stopped and rested also, as is suggested in the following verse ( Exodus 40:37 ) , see ( Numbers 9:17-23 ) thus the saints are to be followers of God as dear children, and to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes or directs, and walk after the Spirit, the dictates and directions thereof; so the wheels in Ezekiel's vision went and stood, as did the living creatures, and the spirit in them, ( Ezekiel 1:19-21 ) .

Exodus 40:36 In-Context

34 the cloud covered the meeting tent and the LORD's glorious presence filled the dwelling.

35 Moses couldn't enter the meeting tent because the cloud had settled on it, and the LORD's glorious presence filled the dwelling.

36 Whenever the cloud rose from the dwelling, the Israelites would set out on their journeys.

37 But if the cloud didn't rise, then they didn't set out until the day it rose.

38 The LORD's cloud stayed over the dwelling during the day, with lightning in it at night, clearly visible to the whole household of Israel at every stage of their journey.