Exodus 40:38
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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֲנַ֨ן
For the cloud
H6051
עֲנַ֨ן
For the cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
2 of 16
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙
was upon the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙
was upon the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
5 of 16
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לַ֖יְלָה
was on it by night
H3915
לַ֖יְלָה
was on it by night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
לְעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
H5869
לְעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
11 of 16
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּֽית
of all the house
H1004
בֵּֽית
of all the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
13 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
14 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Psalms 78:14In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.Numbers 9:15And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.Exodus 13:21And 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:Psalms 105:39He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.
Historical Context
Exodus began with Israel in Egyptian bondage (ch 1) and concludes with God dwelling among them in manifest glory—complete redemption from slavery to sanctuary. The book's arc (bondage → deliverance → law → covenant → dwelling) establishes the pattern repeated throughout redemptive history, culminating in Christ and consummated in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:3, 'the tabernacle of God is with men').
Questions for Reflection
- How does Exodus concluding with God's manifest presence fulfilling His promise to dwell among them encourage believers today?
- What does the cloud/fire's perpetual guidance 'throughout all their journeys' reveal about God's faithfulness in every season of life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
EXODUS CONCLUDES: 'The cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all...Israel, throughout all their journeys.' The cloud-by-day/fire-by-night pattern continues the pillar that led Israel from Egypt (Exodus 13:21-22), demonstrating covenant continuity—the God who redeemed is the God who indwells. The phrase 'in the sight of all' (לְעֵינֵי כָל, le'einei khol) emphasizes visible assurance—God's presence wasn't hidden or theoretical but manifestly present. This perpetual guidance 'throughout all their journeys' assures believers that God accompanies His people through every season, trial, and triumph until reaching the promised inheritance.