Exodus 33:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent.

NIV: And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent.

NASB: And it came about, whenever Moses went out to the tent, that all the people would arise and stand, each at the entrance of his tent, and gaze after Moses until he entered the tent.

CSB: Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would stand up, each one at the door of his tent, and they would watch Moses until he entered the tent.

NLT: Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside.

KJV: And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle.

NKJV: So it was, whenever Moses went out to the tabernacle, that all the people rose, and each man stood at his tent door and watched Moses until he had gone into the tabernacle.

Moses now talks with God in a "tent of meeting" outside the borders of the Israelite camp (Exodus 33:7). Israel had quickly violated God's covenant laws (Exodus 32:1–6), resulting in His distance (Exodus 33:1–3). Every time Moses approaches the tent, the people respond with reverence. They watch as Moses enters, and as a column of clouds comes down to cover the tent's entrance (Exodus 33:9).

Inside this tent, the Lord communicates with Moses in a natural, direct way. This might have been through physical presence, a vision, or other means. But Scripture describes it as "face to face" and friendly (Exodus 33:11). Joshua (Exodus 17:8–9; 32:17) guards the tent whenever Moses is not there.

Exodus 33:7–11 describes the "tent of meeting" where God communicated with Moses after Israel's sin of idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6; 33:1–6). This is located outside the camp, symbolizing the separation from God caused by sin. Israelites would watch and worship as a column of clouds appeared at the tent. Inside, the Lord conversed with Moses exactly as two ordinary people would. Joshua (Exodus 17:8–9; 32:17) guards the tent when Moses is away.

God commands Israel to leave the Sinai region. They are to move on towards the Promised Land, but without the Lord's usual presence. Moses meets with God outside the camp and the Lord says He will once again accompany Israel. Moses asks to see the full glory of God. Since this would kill Moses, God arranges for a much more limited experience.

Israel fell into idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6) very soon after receiving God's laws against it (Exodus 20:3–6). Yet the Lord still plans to bring them into a Promised Land. In this chapter, the people are commanded to leave Sinai and head towards Canaan. But the covenant must be renewed (Exodus 34). Until then, there is a level of separation between the nation and their God.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.