“Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys.”
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Exodus‬ ‭40‬:‭36‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT

The question that Israel demanded an answer to, at the foot of Sinai, was “where is this god?” It was a curious question as it had little to do with the evidence that they had received. Clearly God was not only for them but with them in their journey out of Egypt. Yet, for the majority, this wasn’t enough. They did not trust thatGod was for them, or with them, unless there was something tangible that they could control. They needed God to act as a genie who could be let out when they needed him. The interesting thing is that God predicted this need. That is why he gave them the plans for the tabernacle before they worshipped the calf. Yet, it is clear that they didn’t have a tangible need for it. It was an emotional need. Even with the completed tabernacle and Ark, they didn’t actually control anything. The presence of their camps were determined by God leaving the tabernacle or alighting upon it. These things were emotionally necessary symbols for an emotionally emaciated and starved people. They are a symbol of how God provides. Their ornateness shows that this providence is complex and profound and a work of love and artistry. And God’s choice to inhabit these things is an indicator of his love rather than his limits.

Israelites’ Question: Israelites questioned God’s presence despite evidence of God’s presence and support.

Israelites’ Desire: Israelites desired tangible control over God’s presence, seeking a genie-like figure.

Tabernacle’s Significance: The tabernacle, though not providing control, served as a symbol of God’s provision and love.