For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

EXODUS 40:38KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 40:38 (KJV)

What does Exodus 40:38 mean?

Exodus 40:38 describes how, during all the Israelites’ travels, a visible cloud marked the presence of the LORD over the tabernacle by day, and a fire appeared over it by night, so that everyone in Israel could see it. This verse highlights that God’s presence was continually with the Israelites throughout their journey.

Moses is writing about the time when Israel wandered in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The “tabernacle” was a special tent where God’s presence dwelled among the people. The cloud and fire were visible signs for the entire “house of Israel,” showing that God was guiding and protecting them every step of the way.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 40:38

  • “cloud” (עָנָן, ʿānān): This word refers to a visible, dense cloud. In this context, it was not just weather but a sign of God’s presence.
  • “tabernacle” (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): This means “dwelling place” or “sanctuary.” The tabernacle was the portable tent where God’s presence rested.
  • “fire” (אֵשׁ, ʾēsh): The fire at night was a supernatural sign, making God’s presence visible even in darkness.
  • “journeys” (מַסָּע, massaʿ): This word refers to the stages or stops along Israel’s travels, emphasizing that God’s presence was with them at every point, not just when they were camped.

Why Exodus 40:38 matters

  • Exodus 40:38 clarifies that God’s presence was not hidden or abstract but something the people could actually see, day and night, wherever they went.
  • This verse connects the end of Exodus to the earlier promises that God would dwell with His people, showing that those promises were being fulfilled in a visible way.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s guidance was constant, not just occasional, which would have reassured the Israelites during uncertain and difficult travels.

Where else these words appear

“journeys” Hebrew H4550 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 13:3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;
  • Numbers 10:2 Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
  • Numbers 10:28 Thus were the journeyings of the children of Israel according to their armies, when they set forward.

“day” Hebrew H3119 · used in 50 verses

  • Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
  • Nehemiah 4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
  • Isaiah 4:6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.

“cloud” Hebrew H6051 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
  • Numbers 9:18 At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
  • Job 37:11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:17 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.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?