Exodus 33:10
And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.
Original Language Analysis
וְרָאָ֤ה
saw
H7200
וְרָאָ֤ה
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָם֙
And all the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמּ֣וּד
pillar
H5982
עַמּ֣וּד
pillar
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
5 of 16
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
הֶֽעָנָ֔ן
the cloudy
H6051
הֶֽעָנָ֔ן
the cloudy
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
6 of 16
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
עֹמֵ֖ד
stand
H5975
עֹמֵ֖ד
stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
7 of 16
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
פֶּ֥תַח
door
H6607
פֶּ֥תַח
door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
8 of 16
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
אָֽהֳלֽוֹ׃
at the tabernacle
H168
אָֽהֳלֽוֹ׃
at the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
9 of 16
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
וְקָ֤ם
rose up
H6965
וְקָ֤ם
rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
10 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָם֙
And all the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוּ֔וּ
and worshipped
H7812
וְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוּ֔וּ
and worshipped
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
13 of 16
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 of 16
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
Ancient Israelite tent camps were arranged in organized patterns around the central sanctuary. This worship scene, with thousands standing at tent entrances facing inward, created a powerful communal expression of awe and repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does corporate awareness of God's presence enhance your individual worship?
- In what ways does the Old Testament pattern of mediated worship deepen your appreciation for direct access through Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door—The visible proof of God's presence evokes corporate worship. Each person rises and worships 'in his tent door,' unable to approach closer but responding in reverence. This democratized worship shows that though Moses alone enters God's presence, every Israelite has access to worship. The tent doors create a circle of worship around the central tent of meeting, with all eyes toward God's glory. This anticipates the New Covenant where all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:9).