Exodus 40:38

“For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, etc.] Or over it f1018, it covered it, when it abode upon it, and rested; and stood on high over it when it moved and the people journeyed: and fire was on it by night; the same phenomenon which had the appearance of a cloud in the day time shone like fire in the night time: or “fire was in it” f1019; that is, in the cloud; so it appeared in the night, and was, as the Targum of Jonathan here calls it, a pillar of fire; the same with the pillar of cloud and fire, which departed not from the people all the while they were in the wilderness, (<021321>Exodus 13:21, 22 <160919>Nehemiah 9:19) and this was in the sight of all the house of…”

“the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle, &c.--While it had hitherto appeared sometimes in one place, sometimes in another, it was now found on the tabernacle only; so that from the moment that sanctuary was erected, and the glory of the Lord had filled the sacred edifice, the Israelites had to look to the place which God had chosen to put His name there, in order that they might enjoy the benefit of a heavenly Guide (Num 9:15-23). In like manner, the church had divine revelation for its guide from the first--long before the WORD of God existed in a written form; but ever since the setting up of that sacred canon, it rests on that as its tabernacle and there only is it to be found. It…”

“40:38 the whole family of Israel: This description is reminiscent of the way the book began (see 1:1-7). Jacob’s family had become slaves in Egypt. What a dramatic change had occurred! They were no longer slaves. They were now in a position to be a blessing to the earth, as God had promised to Abraham generations earlier (Gen 12:3).”

“the cloud: Exo 13:21; Num 9:15 fire: Psa 78:14, Psa 105:39; Isa 4:5, Isa 4:6 Next: Leviticus Introduction”