34 The Cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Glory of God filled The Dwelling. 35 Moses couldn't enter the Tent of Meeting because the Cloud was upon it, and the Glory of God filled The Dwelling. 36 Whenever the Cloud lifted from The Dwelling, the People of Israel set out on their travels, 37 but if the Cloud did not lift, they wouldn't set out until it did lift. 38 The Cloud of God was over The Dwelling during the day and the fire was in it at night, visible to all the Israelites in all their travels.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 40:34-38
Commentary on Exodus 40:34-38
(Read Exodus 40:34-38)
The cloud covered the tabernacle even in the clearest day; it was not a cloud which the sun scatters. This cloud was a token of God's presence to be seen day and night, by all Israel, that they might never again question, Is the Lord among us, or is he not? It guided the camp of Israel through the wilderness. While the cloud rested on the tabernacle, they rested; when it removed, they followed it. The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. In light and fire the Shechinah made itself visible: God is Light; our God is a consuming Fire. Yet so dazzling was the light, and so dreadful the fire, that Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, till the splendour was abated. But what Moses could not do, our Lord Jesus has done, whom God caused to draw near; and who has invited us to come boldly, even to the mercy-seat. Being taught by the Holy Spirit to follow the example of Christ, as well as to depend upon him, to attend his ordinances, and obey his precepts, we shall be kept from losing our way, and be led in the midst of the paths of judgment, till we come to heaven, the habitation of his holiness. BLESSED BE GOD FOR JESUS CHRIST!