Exodus 33:7

Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it at a distance outside the camp. He called it the Tent of Meeting, and anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.

Study Bible

Now Moses used to take a tent
The phrase indicates a habitual action by Moses, suggesting a regular practice of setting up a designated place for divine encounters. The Hebrew word for "tent" is "ohel," which signifies a temporary dwelling. This reflects the transient nature of the Israelites' journey and their reliance on God's guidance. The act of Moses taking the tent underscores his leadership and initiative in facilitating a space for communion with God.

and pitch it outside the camp
The decision to place the tent outside the camp is significant. It symbolizes separation and sanctity, indicating that meeting with God requires stepping away from the ordinary and the profane. The Hebrew root "natah" for "pitch" implies a deliberate and careful setting up, emphasizing the importance of this sacred space. This act of separation can be seen as a call to holiness, inviting the Israelites to leave behind distractions and focus on the divine.

at a distance from the camp
The distance from the camp further emphasizes the need for separation from daily life to encounter God. This physical distance can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual distance that sin creates between humanity and God, and the need for intentional effort to bridge that gap. It also highlights the reverence and awe associated with approaching the divine presence.

and he called it the tent of meeting
The designation "tent of meeting" (Hebrew: "ohel mo'ed") signifies a place appointed for divine-human interaction. The term "mo'ed" implies an appointed time or place, suggesting that this tent was not just a physical structure but a divinely ordained space for communion. This highlights the intentionality of God in establishing a relationship with His people and the importance of designated times and places for worship and prayer.

So anyone who wanted to consult the LORD
This phrase opens the invitation to all who seek God, indicating that access to the divine was not limited to Moses alone. The Hebrew word "darash" for "consult" implies seeking with care and diligence, suggesting that approaching God requires earnestness and sincerity. This democratization of access to God foreshadows the New Testament teaching of the priesthood of all believers.

would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp
The repetition of "outside the camp" reinforces the idea of separation and sanctity. It serves as a reminder that encountering God often requires leaving behind comfort zones and familiar surroundings. This journey to the tent symbolizes the spiritual journey of seeking God, marked by intentionality and a willingness to step into the unknown for the sake of divine encounter.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. He acts as an intermediary between God and the Israelites.

2. Tent of Meeting
A temporary place of worship and communication with God, set up outside the Israelite camp. It symbolizes a place of divine encounter and revelation.

3. The Camp
Represents the community of Israelites. The tent being outside the camp signifies separation from the ordinary and a move towards holiness.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who desires a relationship with His people and communicates His will through Moses.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, who are on a journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. They are learning to trust and obey God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Seeking God
The Tent of Meeting was a place where those who sought the LORD could go. This emphasizes the importance of intentionally seeking God in our lives.

Separation for Holiness
The tent being outside the camp signifies a call to separate from worldly distractions to focus on God. Believers are encouraged to create spaces in their lives dedicated to communion with God.

Leadership and Intercession
Moses' role in setting up the Tent of Meeting and interceding for the people highlights the importance of godly leadership and the power of intercession.

God's Desire for Relationship
The Tent of Meeting illustrates God's desire to be present with His people. This is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the location of the Tent of Meeting outside the camp teach us about the nature of our relationship with God?

2. How can we apply the principle of seeking God, as demonstrated by the Israelites going to the Tent of Meeting, in our daily lives?

3. In what ways does the Tent of Meeting foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant?

4. How does the concept of separation for holiness apply to modern Christian living, and what practical steps can we take to implement this?

5. Reflect on a time when you have experienced God's presence in a special way. How can you create more opportunities for such encounters in your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:8-9
God instructs Moses to build a sanctuary so He may dwell among His people, which connects to the purpose of the Tent of Meeting as a place of divine presence.

Hebrews 13:13
Encourages believers to go outside the camp, bearing the reproach of Christ, which parallels the idea of seeking God outside the camp in Exodus 33:7.

Numbers 12:4
God calls Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the Tent of Meeting, highlighting its role as a place of divine communication and judgment.