1. The Lord enters his temple (34-35)

Everything was ready. The Shekinah (Lev 16:2; 2Sa 6:2; 2Ch 5:13; Ps 80:1) or the bright cloud of God's glorious Presence filled the tabernacle so that Moses could not enter it. This was the climax--the moment for which Moses and all the people had diligently prepared. They were ready to begin their pilgrimage from Mount Sinai to the promised land, for God would go with them.

2. The cloud by day and fire by night (36-38)

God led his people to the promised land. When his cloud rose from the tabernacle, they would break camp and leave, following him wherever he led. When the cloud settled again in the tabernacle, they would stop. He led them in a roundabout way, but during their travels he trained them. They learned to depend on him. He was training them to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests--and to be happy in the promised land.

Application: Lord, dwell with us and lead us to the heavenly kingdom. Make us your holy people.
One Word: Follow God's leading