Exodus 33:8
And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּצֵ֤את
went out
H3318
כְּצֵ֤את
went out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
2 of 18
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
And it came to pass when Moses
H4872
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
And it came to pass when Moses
Strong's:
H4872
Word #:
3 of 18
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃
at his tent
H168
הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃
at his tent
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
5 of 18
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
יָק֙וּמוּ֙
rose up
H6965
יָק֙וּמוּ֙
rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
6 of 18
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם
that all the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
that all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְנִ֨צְּב֔וּ
and stood
H5324
וְנִ֨צְּב֔וּ
and stood
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
9 of 18
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
10 of 18
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)
פֶּ֣תַח
door
H6607
פֶּ֣תַח
door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
11 of 18
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃
at his tent
H168
הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃
at his tent
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
12 of 18
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
וְהִבִּ֙יטוּ֙
and looked
H5027
וְהִבִּ֙יטוּ֙
and looked
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
13 of 18
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
And it came to pass when Moses
H4872
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
And it came to pass when Moses
Strong's:
H4872
Word #:
15 of 18
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
16 of 18
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern protocol required subjects to stand when royalty passed. The people's corporate response shows they understood Moses' unique role as mediator between themselves and the offended holy God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your awareness of Christ's ongoing intercession for you affect your confidence in approaching God?
- Do you 'stand at your tent door' in watchful prayer, or have you become complacent about your need for mediation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up—The people's response shows reverence and hope. Standing at tent doors, watching Moses' journey to the tent of meeting, they recognize their need for a mediator. They cannot approach directly but must have Moses go for them. Their standing posture indicates respect, anticipation, and implicit prayer that Moses' intercession would succeed. This foreshadows Christ our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) whom we watch by faith entering God's presence for us.