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The Story of Redemption
garments was heard, they were greatly relieved. He then came forth
and blessed the people.
After the work of the tabernacle was finished, “a cloud covered
the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the
tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the
congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the
Lord filled the tabernacle.” 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.”
The tabernacle was constructed so as to be taken to pieces and
borne with them in all their journeyings.
The Guiding Cloud
The Lord directed the Israelites in all their travels through the
wilderness. When it was for the good of the people and the glory
of God that they should pitch their tents in a certain place and there
abide, God signified His will to them by the pillar of cloud resting
low directly over the tabernacle. And there it remained until God
would have them journey again. Then the cloud of glory was lifted
up high above the tabernacle, and then they journeyed again.
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In all their journeyings they observed perfect order. Every tribe
bore a standard, with the sign of their father’s house on it, and every
tribe was commanded to pitch by their own standard. And when
they traveled the different tribes marched in order, every tribe under
their own standard. When they rested from their journeyings, the
tabernacle was erected, and then the different tribes pitched their
tents in order, in just such a position as God commanded, around the
tabernacle, at a distance from it.
When the people journeyed, the ark of the covenant was borne
before them. “And the cloud of the Lord was upon them by day,
when they went out of the camp. And it came to pass, when the ark
set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let Thine enemies
be scattered; and let them that hate Thee flee before Thee. And
when it rested, he said, Return, O Lord, unto the many thousands of
Israel.”
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