Numbers 7:89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him.

◄ Numbers 7:89 ►

New International Version
When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law. In this way the LORD spoke to him.

New Living Translation
Whenever Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—that rests on the Ark of the Covenant. The LORD spoke to him from there.

English Standard Version
And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and it spoke to him.

Berean Standard Bible
When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him.

King James Bible
And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.

New King James Version
Now when Moses went into the tabernacle of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; thus He spoke to him.

New American Standard Bible
Now when Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the atoning cover that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; so He spoke to him.

NASB 1995
Now when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim, so He spoke to him.

NASB 1977
Now when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim, so He spoke to him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim, so He spoke to him.

Amplified Bible
Now when Moses went into the Tent of Meeting (tabernacle) to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat (the gold cover) that was on the ark of the Testimony from between the two cherubim; and He spoke [by special revelation] to him.

Christian Standard Bible
When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim. He spoke to him that way.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim. He spoke to him that way.

American Standard Version
And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with him, then he heard the Voice speaking unto him from above the mercy-seat that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spake unto him.

Contemporary English Version
Whenever Moses needed to talk with the LORD, he went into the sacred tent, where he heard the LORD's voice coming from between the two winged creatures above the lid of the sacred chest.

English Revised Version
And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with him, then he heard the Voice speaking unto him from above the mercy-seat that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spake unto him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whenever Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the throne of mercy on the ark containing the words of God's promise, from between the two angels. This is how the LORD spoke with Moses.

Good News Translation
When Moses went into the Tent to talk with the LORD, he heard the LORD speaking to him from above the lid on the Covenant Box, between the two winged creatures.

International Standard Version
When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard a voice speaking to him above the Mercy Seat over the Ark of the Testimony. He spoke to him from between the two cherubim.

Majority Standard Bible
When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him.

NET Bible
Now when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the atonement lid that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim. Thus he spoke to him.

New Heart English Bible
When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard his voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spoke to him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Moses had entered into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking to him from off the mercy-seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spoke to him.

World English Bible
When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with Yahweh, he heard his voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; and he spoke to him.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And in the entering of Moses into the Tent of Meeting to speak with Him, indeed, he hears the voice speaking to him from off the propitiatory covering which [is] on the Ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; and He speaks to him.

Young's Literal Translation
And in the going in of Moses unto the tent of meeting to speak with Him -- he doth even hear the voice speaking unto him from off the mercy-seat which is upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubs; and He speaketh unto him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And in Moses going in to the tent of appointment to speak to him, and he will hear the voice speaking to him from above the cover upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubs: and he will speak to him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And when Moses entered into the tabernacle of the covenant, to consult the oracle, he heard the voice of one speaking to him from the propitiatory, that was over the ark between the two cherubims, and from this place he spoke to him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when Moses entered into the tabernacle of the covenant, to consult the oracle, he heard the voice of One speaking to him from the propitiatory, which is over the ark of the testimony between the two cherubims, and there he also spoke to him.

New American Bible
When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with God, he heard the voice addressing him from above the cover on the ark of the covenant, from between the two cherubim; and so it spoke to him.

New Revised Standard Version
When Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he would hear the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the covenant from between the two cherubim; thus it spoke to him.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And when Moses entered into the tabernacle of the congregation, he heard a voice speaking to him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and he spoke to him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when Moshe entered the Time Tabernacle, he heard a voice speaking with him from the Mercy Seat above the Ark of the Testimony; between the two Cherubim, it spoke with him.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And when Moses went into the tent of meeting that He might speak with him, then he heard the Voice speaking unto him from above the ark-cover that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and He spoke unto him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
When Moses went into the tabernacle of witness to speak to God, then he heard the voice of the Lord speaking to him from off the mercy-seat, which is upon the ark of the testimony, between the two cherubs; and he spoke to him.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Offerings of Dedication
…88All the livestock sacrificed for the peace offering totaled twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty male goats, and sixty male lambs a year old. This was the dedication offering for the altar after it was anointed. 89When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 25:22
And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.

Exodus 33:9-11
As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. / When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his own tent. / Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.

Leviticus 1:1
Then the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying,

1 Kings 6:19-20
Solomon also prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there. / The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.

1 Kings 8:10-11
And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 5:13-14
The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.

Psalm 80:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth

Isaiah 6:1-4
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...

Ezekiel 1:25-28
And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood still with their wings lowered. / Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. ...

Ezekiel 43:4-5
and the glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east. / Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 14:23
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

Acts 7:48-50
However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: / ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be? / Has not My hand made all these things?’

Romans 9:4
the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.

2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Treasury of Scripture

And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking to him from off the mercy seat that was on the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubim: and he spoke to him.

to speak

Numbers 12:8
With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

Exodus 33:9-11
And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses…

him that is God.

Numbers 1:1
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

Exodus 25:22
And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Leviticus 1:1
And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

two cherubims

Exodus 25:18-21
And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat…

1 Samuel 4:4
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

1 Kings 6:23
And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high.

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Numbers 7

1. The offering of the princes at the dedication of the tabernacle
10. Their several offerings at the dedication of the altar
89. God speaks to Moses from the mercy seat

Berean Study Bible

When Moses entered the tent of meeting
The "tent of meeting" refers to the Tabernacle, a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "tent" is "ohel," and "meeting" is "moed," which together signify a designated place and time for divine-human encounter. This highlights the sacredness of the space where God chose to reveal Himself, emphasizing the importance of preparation and reverence when approaching God.

to speak with the LORD
The phrase "to speak with the LORD" underscores the personal and direct communication between Moses and God. The Hebrew word for "speak" is "dabar," which implies not just talking but conveying messages of significance. This interaction signifies the unique role of Moses as a mediator between God and the Israelites, reflecting the intimate relationship God desires with His chosen leaders.

he heard the voice speaking to him
"Hearing the voice" indicates a divine revelation. The Hebrew word for "voice" is "qol," which can mean sound or noise, but here it signifies the articulate communication of God. This emphasizes the reality of God's presence and His willingness to communicate His will, reinforcing the belief that God is not distant but actively involved in guiding His people.

from above the mercy seat
The "mercy seat" is the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence was believed to dwell. The Hebrew term is "kapporet," which is related to "kaphar," meaning to cover or atone. This symbolizes God's throne of grace and the place of atonement, pointing to the future work of Christ as the ultimate atonement for sin.

that was on the ark of the Testimony
The "ark of the Testimony" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Law. The Hebrew word for "testimony" is "edut," signifying a witness or evidence. This highlights the Ark as a tangible reminder of God's covenant and His faithfulness to His promises, serving as a central symbol of God's presence and law among His people.

from between the two cherubim
The "cherubim" are angelic beings depicted as guardians of the divine presence. The Hebrew word "keruvim" suggests beings of great power and majesty. Their position "between" signifies the sacred space where God's glory dwells, emphasizing the holiness and inaccessibility of God apart from His provision for atonement and mediation.

and He spoke to him
The repetition of God speaking to Moses underscores the importance of divine communication. The Hebrew verb "dabar" is used again, reinforcing the idea of God conveying His will and guidance. This highlights the privilege and responsibility of receiving God's word, reminding believers of the importance of listening to and obeying God's voice in their lives.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 89. - And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation. Rather, "the tent of meeting." Hebrew, ohel moed, where God had promised to meet with him (Exodus 25:22). To speak with him, i.e., with God, as implied in the word "meeting." He heard the voice of one speaking unto him. Rather, "he heard the voice conversing with him," making itself audible to him. מִדַּבֵּר, part. Hithpael, as in Ezekiel 2:2. Here is a distinct statement of the supernatural fact that God spake to Moses with an audible human voice, and (no doubt) in the Hebrew language, from out the empty darkness behind the veil. In the fact, indeed, of God so speaking audibly there was nothing new (see Genesis 3:8; Genesis 17:1, etc.), nor in the fact of his so speaking to Moses (see Exodus 3:4 and Exodus 33:9); but this records the fulfillment of that promise which was part of God's covenant with Israel, that he would at all times converse with Moses as their mediator from above the mercy-seat (see on Exodus 25:20-22, and cf. Deuteronomy 5:23-28). And he spake unto him, i.e., God spake unto Moses: the voice made itself audible, and by the voice God himself spake unto him. It is quite obvious that this statement more properly belongs to an earlier period, viz., to that immediately succeeding the consecration of the tabernacle. On the day it was set up Moses was not able to enter it (Exodus 40:35), but no doubt he did so very soon afterwards, and received from the mouth of the Lord, speaking in the holiest, all the commandments and ordinances recorded in Leviticus and in the beginning of this book. Perhaps the first communication made to him in this way concerned the offerings of the princes when first brought near (verses 4, 11), and for that reason the statement may have been appended to the record of those offerings.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

When Moses
מֹשֶׁ֜ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

entered
וּבְבֹ֨א (ū·ḇə·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the Tent
אֹ֣הֶל (’ō·hel)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168: A tent

of Meeting
מוֹעֵד֮ (mō·w·‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting

to speak
לְדַבֵּ֣ר (lə·ḏab·bêr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

with the LORD,
אִתּוֹ֒ (’it·tōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

he heard
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע (way·yiš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the voice
הַקּ֜וֹל (haq·qō·wl)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

speaking
מִדַּבֵּ֣ר (mid·dab·bêr)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to him
אֵלָ֗יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

from between
מִבֵּ֖ין (mib·bên)
Preposition-m
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

the two
שְׁנֵ֣י (šə·nê)
Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

cherubim
הַכְּרֻבִ֑ים (hak·kə·ru·ḇîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3742: Probably an order of angelic beings

above
מֵעַ֤ל (mê·‘al)
Preposition-m
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the mercy seat
הַכַּפֹּ֙רֶת֙ (hak·kap·pō·reṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3727: Propitiatory

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the Ark
אֲרֹ֣ן (’ă·rōn)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727: A chest, ark

of the Testimony.
הָעֵדֻ֔ת (hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5715: Testimony

Thus [the LORD] spoke
וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר (way·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

to him.
אֵלָֽיו׃ (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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OT Law: Numbers 7:89 When Moses went into the Tent (Nu Num.)