Exodus 40:36

36 The Israelites moved their camp to another place only when the cloud lifted from the Tent.

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 Then the cloud covered the Tent and the dazzling light of the Lord's presence filled it.

35 Because of this, Moses could not go into the Tent.

36 The Israelites moved their camp to another place only when the cloud lifted from the Tent.

37 As long as the cloud stayed there, they did not move their camp.

38 During all their wanderings they could see the cloud of the Lord's presence over the Tent during the day and a fire burning above it during the night.