40:34–38  The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. The resolution of the book of Exodus comes in these last verses as the Lord’s presence is visible once again, for the first time after the golden calf, in the newly created tabernacle.

Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting
and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting
because the cloud had settled upon it,
and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. (40:34–35)

The cloud, first seen in Exodus 13 at the sea, and last seen by the people on top of Mount Sinai in Exodus 24, settled into the midst of the camp. The verb “settled” (shakan) is from the same root as “tabernacle” (mishkan) and means “dwell,” “abide,” or “settle down.” God had come to live among them. These last five verses mention …