Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
The people gave. “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.” (36:5) Bezaleel and Aholiab led up the work. They worked with gold, silver, and brass. They worked with stone and wood. They engraved and embroidered. The people came together and worked hard to build the all the things of the tabernacle.
And finally, as the Lord commanded, it was now time. “And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.” (40:17)
- The sockets were fastened.
- The boards were set up.
- The bars were put in.
- The pillars were reared up.
- The tent was spread.
- The testimony was put in the ark.
- The staves were set.
- The mercy seat was put on.
- The ark was brought in.
- The veil was set up.
- The table was put in.
- The bread was set in order.
- The candlestick was put in.
- The lamps were lit.
- The golden altar was put in.
- The sweet incense was burnt
- The altar of burnt offering was placed.
- The burnt offerings and meat offerings were made.
- The laver was set.
- The water was put in.
- The priests washed.
- The court was reared up.
After it was all set up and the sacrifices done, the Bible says in verse 33, “So Moses finished the work.”
Have you ever built something? We recently converted our porch to a laundry room. There would be two washers and two dryers. The porch was enclosed. Walls were put up. Windows were put in. Electrical was run. Water heater was installed. Drainage was plumbed. It took several days. Finally, the day had come, the new washer and dryer were hooked up, the old ones were dragged out there and connected. The power was turned on. The hot and cold water turned on. The clothes were brought in. The soap was added. Everything was running all at once; nothing leaking, no breakers tripping! What a sense of satisfaction. The work had been done. Everything worked. Everybody was happy, especially the wife. Building things to the point of fruition is always a good feeling.
The Bible has got a building program for all saved folk. “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” (Jude 20) After all the work was done on the tabernacle and ceremony performed, the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. This was the end of the work in Exodus. This should be the end of the work in the New Testament believer. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6) Paul admonishes us that we are the temple of the living God, and God desires to fill His temple with His glory.
Notice also that Moses was not able to enter. The cloud and the glory had filled up the temple. There was no room or place for Moses. No Christian. There is no more room in the temple for you anymore. To be filled with God is to be empty of all else, including yourself.
Ephesians 5:17,18 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;