The Tent of Meeting: Seeking God's Presence and Favor

Despite human failings, God's immense compassion and mercy shine forth. Moses' profound desire to witness God's glory and ensure His presence amongst His people underscores the vital necessity of divine guidance in life. This passage encourages believers to seek God earnestly, pursue His presence, and rejoice in His distinguishing favor.

God's Instructions and Warning (verses 1-3)

The LORD instructs Moses to lead the people from Egypt to the Promised Land, warning that He will not accompany them due to their obstinacy, which might provoke His wrath.

The People's Mourning (verses 4-6)

On hearing the LORD's stern warning, the Israelites mourn and remove their jewelry as a sign of repentance.

The Tent of Meeting (verses 7-11)

Moses sets up a Tent of Meeting outside the camp where anyone can seek the LORD. When Moses enters, a pillar of cloud signifies the LORD's presence.

Moses’ Plea for Divine Presence (verses 12-16)

Moses seeks clarification on whom God will send with them and pleads for His continued presence to set the Israelites apart from other nations.

God's Assurances and Moses' Request (verses 17-18)

In response, God assures His presence and rest for Moses. Moses then requests to see God's glory.

The LORD’s Revelation of His Glory (verses 19-23)

God agrees to display His glory, emphasizing His compassion and mercy, while declaring that no one can see His face and live.

The passage centers around the Israelites' journey from Egypt towards the Promised Land. Amidst divine chastisement and caution, Moses mediates between God and His people, fostering a deep, personal connection with the LORD. This chapter showcases the profound dialogue between Moses and the LORD, revealing key aspects of divine compassion, human contrition, and the significance of God's presence in the journey of life.

1. Humility and Repentance
2. Divine Presence and Glory
3. Distinction and Favor
4. Obedience and Submission
5. Communion with God1. God's Command to Leave Egypt
2. Mourning and Removal of Jewelry
3. The Tent of Meeting and Divine Communication
4. Moses' Plea for God's Presence
5. God's Glory and Moses' Request1. LORD
2. Moses
3. Joshua son of Nun
4. Israelites
5. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (mentioned)1. Egypt
2. Mount Horeb
3. The Tent of Meeting
4. The Promised Land

1. How do God's instructions in the first few verses show His righteousness and holiness? How does this compare to His mercy shown later in the passage?

2. Why did the Israelites take off their jewelry? What does this represent?

3. How does the Tent of Meeting symbolize our personal relationship with God?

4. Why was it important for Moses that God's presence go with them? How does this apply to your life today?

5. In what ways does God's response to Moses' plea show His relational nature?

6. Why did Moses ask to see God's glory? How does this reflect his desire for intimacy with God?

7. How do God's final words to Moses reveal His love and concern for human life?

8. How does this passage demonstrate Moses' leadership and intercession skills?

9. What does it mean to have found favor in God's sight, as Moses did?

10. How can we, in the modern world, distinguish ourselves as God's people?

11. How does this passage encourage you to seek God's presence more earnestly?

12. How does this scripture help us understand the balance between God's justice and mercy?

13. How can we apply the Israelites' collective reaction to God's stern warning in our responses to divine correction today?

14. How does Joshua's staying in the tent foreshadow his future leadership?

15. Why is it significant that the LORD would speak to Moses as a friend?

16. How can we mirror Moses' boldness in asking for a deeper experience of God's presence in our lives?

17. What does God's response to Moses' request to see His glory teach us about the nature of God?

18. How does the imagery of God protecting Moses with His hand during the revelation of His glory resonate with you?

19. How does God’s statement “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion” challenge our human conceptions of fairness?

20. How can the reality of God's presence being with us shape our daily decisions and actions in today's world?