Exodus 33:7-11 – Friendship with God

We should not confuse this tent of meeting with the Tabernacle, which is also called the Tent of meeting. Why? For the obvious reason that the Tabernacle had not been built yet at this point. And also, that Moses pitched this tent outside the camp and not at the centre of the community. The Bible made it clear that it was a distance from the Israelites. This was a tent that Moses set up so that He could meet God. It must have been a relief for the people, for though God would not dwell among them, there was a man to whom God would speak.  They should be glad that He had not totally abandoned them.

This tent was a temporary solution. It was a substitute place to meet God.  It is amazing to read that “Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the Lord would speak with Moses.” The people would then respond and arose and stood, each at the entrance of his tent. And there they would gaze after Moses until he entered the tent. The cloud was an indication that God was speaking to Moses. What a privilege to have direct communication with God. What does it mean to say that he spoke face to face with God? This is a figure of speech to convey the fact that God and Moses had very intimate encounters. For later on, we are told that Moses asked to see the face of God. And in Exodus 33:20. God said to Moses, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” God spoke to Moses like bosom pals. What’s heartening was the fact that at least there was an avenue that they could seek God for direction.

Here in this account, we are given a sneak peep into the life of Joshua. Here we see how he hungered after the presence of God. For long after Moses had left the tent of meeting, he would linger near the tent and would not depart. This is one quality that will endear us to God. Didn’t Jesus tell us in the Be-attitude in Matthew 5:6 that “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”? Like Joshua, we must hunger and thirst after God and His righteousness. It’s one of those conditions that will keep us desiring to draw near to God.

Unlike the people of Israel, we have a direct line to God today. We thank Him for the privilege He has given to us in Christ. He calls us His friends. No greater love has any man than His, that He should lay down His life for us. Christ is dwelling in us through the person of the Holy Spirit. We have immediate access to God who has come to dwell in us. That’s why Paul tells us that our bodies are the temples of God. In Christ, God had made the provision for us to have intimate encounters with Him. We can know His will, enjoy His words and bask in His presence. We can come to Him each day and cultivate the intimacy with Him through prayer. Every one of us can cultivate this friendship with God. So, remember to make the time and unhurriedly enjoy His presence!