The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle signified God’s presence dwelling among His people in a visible and powerful way. This event marked the completion of the tabernacle and the confirmation that God accepted it as His dwelling place.
Exodus 40:34–35 describes the moment:
“Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”
The cloud and glory revealed God’s holiness and majesty, reminding Israel that He is near yet unapproachable without atonement. Even Moses could not enter until God called him, showing that access to His presence is on His terms, not ours.
This glory also served as guidance. The cloud would remain over the tabernacle, and when it lifted, Israel knew to set out on their journey (Exodus 40:36–38). God’s presence was both a source of comfort and a call to obedience.
A similar image appears in Isaiah 6:1, where Isaiah sees the Lord in the temple:
“I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.”
This vision highlights the overwhelming majesty and holiness of God’s presence, just as the glory filled the tabernacle in Exodus. Both scenes affirm that God’s dwelling is marked by glory, holiness, and the call to worship Him in reverence.
The filling of the tabernacle points forward to Christ and the believer’s relationship with God under the new covenant. John 1:14 says:
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory.”
Through Jesus, God’s presence came to dwell fully among His people. Today, His glory dwells in believers through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and ultimately, His presence will fill the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:3).
The glory filling the tabernacle teaches that God desires to be with His people, but His presence requires holiness and obedience. Truths fulfilled through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
