Exodus 33:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses.

NIV: As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses.

NASB: Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the Lord would speak with Moses.

CSB: When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance to the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses.

NLT: As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at its entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses.

KJV: And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.

NKJV: And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.

God led Israel from Egypt to Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3) using a column of fire and clouds (Exodus 13:21–22). Now that Israel has broken His laws against idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6), the Lord has said He will no longer be among the people (Exodus 33:1–3). Instead, he meets with Moses in the "tent of meeting" outside the camp. The people watch reverently each time Moses goes there. When he enters, clouds cover the entrance.

During this time, the Lord spoke with Moses the same way Moses would speak with another human being (Exodus 33:11). Scripture does not explain exactly what this looked like. God may have used a temporary body, a vision, or something else. The text may simply mean that they converse openly and honestly.

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.

Accessed 10/29/2025 4:37:08 AM