Joel M Bradshaw

34Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.36Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.–Exodus 40

He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. (Psalm 147:8)

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. (Psalm 143:9)

This would have been a tremendous sight. Moses and the people followed God’s commands and then God dramatically showed up in an obvious and verifiable way. That cloud and pillar of fire would accompany the Tabernacle (think God’s mobile home!) for the rest of their journey towards the Promised Land.

The verb for covered in verse 34 is also in the two psalms I listed. Two things therefore stood out to me this morning.

1. THE COVERING OF GOD IS A SYMBOL OF FAITHFUL PROVISION, LIKE THE CLOUDS AND THE RAIN.
2. THE COVERING OF GOD IS A PROMISE OF PROTECTION IN TIMES OF NEED.

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. (Jesus in Luke 13:34)

O Israel, turn to you faithful God who covers you! He is faithful to provide and to protect. Cover yourself with Messiah Yeshua today. He is mighty to save!–JMB