Daily Devotions
Exodus
"...I will wait on the LORD, who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him." Isaiah 8:17
Text: Exodus 33 : 7-8
PLANS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE SHELVED
God had given to Moses all the plans for the construction of the Tabernacle. He had also given the details concerning the high priestly ministry as well! But how could these plans be carried out, given the present set of circumstances? The plans for the construction of the Tabernacle were shelved for the moment! God had effectively “hidden His face” from Israel, as an indication of His displeasure!
A TEMPORARY “TABERNACLE OF MEETING” SET UP
Mercifully, Moses was allowed to set up a temporary place where he could continue with his ministry to the children of Israel.
“Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp,
far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting.
And it came to pass that everyone who sought the LORD went out
to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp.”
EXODUS 33:7
1. “Outside the camp”
The tabernacle of meeting was deliberately set outside the camp of Israel for good reason.
a) To show that God had distanced Himself from Israel because of sin.
b) To challenge people to take the trouble to make a long trip to see Moses when they were in trouble.
2. Hope still available
Though it might be a little inconvenient, nevertheless, the people should at least breathe a sigh of relief that there was still some hope! God had not totally abandoned the people!
A NEW SENSE OF RESPECT FOR MOSES
One good thing that came out of this disciplinary measure was that there was a new-found respect for Moses.
“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.”
EXODUS 33:8
The disdain that some had for Moses had been effectively dealt with (for the moment)! Whenever Moses went to the tabernacle of meeting, people stood outside the doors of their tents and stood in awe! This was indeed a special servant of God! He ought to be given the respect due to him!