Tent of meeting (Hebrew: ’ōhel mō‘êḏ) is a tabernacle that was a place of worship or the dwelling place of God. In Exodus 33, the Bible talks about the tent of meeting. “Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp” (Exodus 33:7).
Let’s get some background before we get to the tent of meeting. God raised Moses to lead the Israelites, who were in slavery in Egypt for 430 years. God brought them out of Egypt with His mighty outstretched arm, with mighty acts distinguishing His children from the Egyptians. They came out of Egypt with articles of gold and silver and clothing; they crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, with water on their right and left. In the wilderness, God provided manna and quail as food and water from the rock to drink. God gave them victory in the battle against the Amalekites, and they saw God’s presence manifest on Mount Sinai as lighting, thunder, and smoke. Yet, when Moses went up Mount Sinai, they forgot how God led them and created a God for themselves when Moses was on the mountain for long. They said, “…As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him” (Exodus 32:1). The Israelites had seen and experienced the hand of God in their lives, but still chose to forget God’s goodness and create a new god to lead them. This is the kind of people (who were no different from us) Moses had to lead, more than 600,000 of them.
When Moses came down from the mountain after 40 days and nights and saw that the people of Israel had created a god for themselves, he was angry. Imagine leading 600, 000 people who are ungrateful, always complaining, and impatient. Sounds easy-peasy, right? Well, not really. Moses had the great responsibility of leading the people; I can only imagine the weight he experienced on his shoulders. He was probably stressed, angry, upset, disappointed, distressed, depressed, or frustrated—you name it. Now to top it, God says to Moses to take the people of Israel to the promised land; however, God says He will send His angels to drive the enemies out of the land, but He will not go before them. I wonder what Moses felt. He probably felt the weight on his shoulder was getting heavier; he probably felt he couldn’t take it anymore. But Moses knew where he could find his rest—the tent of meeting.
Moses chose to go a distance from the camp and pitch his tent; he called it the “tent of meeting”. This was not a one-day thing; it was probably his routine. And anyone who wanted to inquire of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting, and the presence of God would manifest as a pillar of cloud. One day, 12Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people” (Exodus 33:12-13). Here, Moses brings forth four concerns before God.
1. Purpose
Moses says “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me”. Moses knew the purpose—to lead the people. However, here, Moses is having a forethought: who is God going to send with me? Who is going to share the burden or the responsibility with me? But we see that before even Moses could make this prayer in the tent of meeting, God had chosen Joshua and was preparing him. In Exodus 33:11, we see that “Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent”. God knows the plans He has for us and His purposes will prevail. Because He can do all things and no plans of His can be thwarted (Job 42:2). He sees the end from the beginning, so rest assured that His purposes for your life will be fulfilled regardless of your circumstances or how you feel or what you think.
2. Direction
Moses says “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways.” Moses is asking God for direction. He was probably stressed out, confused, and needed direction or guidance on how to lead the Israelites. We too face situations in life where we are confused and need direction, or face situations where we are stressed and disappointed that it clouds our eyes from God’s direction. But the Bible says that God will broaden the path before us so our foot does not slip (Psalm 18:36). His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:107). He will lead you in the right path for His name sake (Psalm 23:3).
3. Spiritual growth
The next thing Moses says is “so I may know you” . Moses wanted to know God more, to grow in Him. Moses realizes that it is important to know God to lead the people of Israel and to walk towards the purpose. Many a time we wonder what does God think of my situation, my circumstances, my struggles, or the mess I have got myself into. Knowing God will help us realize His love for us and who we are in Him. The only way we can understand God is by seeing Him as the embodiment of love, Jesus Himself. God is love. And “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Our minds are too limited to comprehend His love, but the Holy Spirit will help us know Him in all His love.
4. Find favor
God’s favor will change our life. He never takes away His favor from us, because He is the same yesterday today and forever. Although sometimes we might feel that the conditions or the circumstances in our life are not favorable, His favor is always upon our lives. We need to receive it by faith. Grace is favor. And you are highly favored. God’s favor is upon your life; His favor will protect, preserve, uphold, heal, and deliver you.
God loves to overwhelm you with His abundant favor and goodness.
-Joel Osteen
Moses had put forth the above concerns to God. If I were Moses, I would have expected God to give me an elaborate answer. But God spoke in few words. He said “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). There is rest in God’s presence. Many a time, although our physical body is at rest, our minds and hearts are always overworking. Moses was probably tired and stressed, thinking “How am going to lead the people? How am I going to make it through?” “Lord, I need to lead the Israelites, I need help, I need your direction, I need to know your ways, only if your favor is on me can I do it.” Moses probably had a million thoughts running in his head. God listened to what Moses was saying, but God answered the intent of his prayer—rest.
We all face situations in life where we are physically tired, although our body is at rest, because we are constantly thinking, worrying, and stressing ourselves about our future. We need to always remember that there is rest in God’s presence. He gives us peace that passeth understanding (Philippians 4:7). If you are worried today and need rest, pitch your tent of meeting; go to His presence. In His presence, you have everything you need. He will cause all His goodness, mercy and compassion pass in front of you. He will flood you and overwhelm you with His love. He will lead you to the rock that is higher (Psalm 61:2). He will NEVER fail you. Hold on to Him!
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Wow ! This is so powerful.
Thank you 🙂