Direct Conversations

Before the Israelites built their Tabernacle, there was the tent of meeting. It wasn’t ornate, and it wasn’t a place for sacrifices or priestly service. This tent pitched outside the camp was the place where Moses met with God when he wasn’t on the mountain.

When he went into the tent of meeting, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. . . . (Ex. 33:9b NIV) The people knew God was talking to him, and they gathered around the tent of meeting to hear what God had said.

Can your image what this was like? Although God performed many miracles through Moses, perhaps the most remarkable experiences of Moses’ life were his conversations with God—including those in the tent of meeting. We are awed by the direct communication. At one time Moses bluntly told God he would not lead the people anywhere unless God’s Presence went with them. God said, I will do the very thing you have asked. . . . (v. 17b)

When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God arranged a special display for this man who came to talk with Him.

Originally published September 24, 1982.
Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

There Was the Glory

God revealed His mercy and provision in many ways during the Israelites’ extended journey from Egypt to Canaan. Even the cloud that remained with them was a visible sign of His glory. It not only led the people; it revealed something about God’s nature. During the dark desert nights, fire from the cloud provided light. During hot days, the cloud provided shade from the hot desert sun. Some say the cloud provided an image of the blessings we receive through Jesus.

At one time, when the people grumbled because they were hungry, Moses and Aaron brought the people into a position where they would listen. Then, While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud. (Ex. 16:10 NIV)

The glory of God demonstrated God’s ability to be God. The people hadn’t remembered that He could take care of them. Instead of asking Him to provide food, they grumbled against Moses. But God surprised them by revealing His nature. He wowed them with a visual image of His glory. That night he sent meat in the form of birds, and in the morning the people discovered manna.

Originally published July 22, 1988.