Deuteronomy 31 15

Deuteronomy 31:15 kjv

And the LORD appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud: and the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle.

Deuteronomy 31:15 nkjv

Now the LORD appeared at the tabernacle in a pillar of cloud, and the pillar of cloud stood above the door of the tabernacle.

Deuteronomy 31:15 niv

Then the LORD appeared at the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the tent.

Deuteronomy 31:15 esv

And the LORD appeared in the tent in a pillar of cloud. And the pillar of cloud stood over the entrance of the tent.

Deuteronomy 31:15 nlt

And the LORD appeared to them in a pillar of cloud that stood at the entrance to the sacred tent.

Deuteronomy 31 verses

Deuteronomy 31 15 Meaning

Deuteronomy 31:15 states that "the LORD appeared in the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the pillar of cloud stood over the entrance of the tent." This verse describes a specific manifestation of God's presence, known as a theophany, occurring within the Tent of Meeting (also known as the Tabernacle). This appearance served as a profound visible assurance of God's direct involvement with Israel, especially at a pivotal moment of leadership transition from Moses to Joshua, reaffirming His covenant fidelity despite the foreseen future apostasy of His people.

Deuteronomy 31 15 Context

Deuteronomy 31 occurs as Moses nears the end of his life and ministry, preparing Israel for his departure and the entry into the Promised Land. Chapters 29-30 emphasize the covenant God made with Israel in Moab, reiterating blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Immediately prior to verse 15, Moses had charged Joshua to be strong and courageous (vv. 7-8) and then committed the law to the priests (vv. 9-13). Verse 14 sets the scene for verse 15, as the LORD tells Moses that his death is near and instructs him to call Joshua to the Tent of Meeting so God can commission Joshua. This divine appearance directly accompanies the commissioning of Joshua, emphasizing God's direct endorsement and presence in this crucial leadership transition. Furthermore, the very next verses (16-18) reveal God's prophecy that Israel will surely rebel against Him after Moses' death. Thus, this visible manifestation of God's presence underscores His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His continued guidance, even in the face of foreseen future apostasy.

Deuteronomy 31 15 Word analysis

• And the LORD (וַיֵּרָא יְהוָה - vayyera YHWH):

  • וַיֵּרָא (vayyera): This is the Hiphil imperfect of the verb ra'ah (רָאָה), meaning "to see," but here it is in a reflexive or passive sense: "He caused Himself to be seen," or "He appeared." This signifies a divine initiative; God intentionally revealed Himself, rather than merely being observed. It's a key term for biblical theophanies (divine appearances).
  • יְהוָה (YHWH): This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God, revealed to Moses (Exod 3:15). It signifies God as the ever-existent, self-sufficient One, who faithfully keeps His promises. Its use here highlights that it is the very covenant God of Israel who is manifesting His presence.

• appeared (in a specific sense, as analyzed above): God's self-revelation. This appearance is not a common event; it denotes a special communication or divine confirmation.

• in the tent (בָּאֹהֶל - ba'ohel):

  • בָּאֹהֶל (ba'ohel): Refers specifically to the Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle). This portable sanctuary was the physical center of Israel's worship and the place where God had promised to meet with His people and speak to Moses (Exod 25:22; 33:7). The specific location underscores God's accessible and intimate presence within the framework of the covenant. The Tabernacle, a precursor to the Temple, served as God's earthly dwelling place among His people.

• in a pillar of cloud (בְּעַמּוּד עָנָן - b'ammud anan):

  • בְּעַמּוּד עָנָן (b'ammud anan): "Pillar of cloud" is a well-established motif throughout the Exodus narrative (Exod 13:21; Num 10:34). It symbolized God's leading, protecting, and dwelling presence among Israel during their wilderness journey. This visual phenomenon was a continuous, undeniable sign of God's reality and active guidance. Its presence here links this particular appearance back to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness from Egypt.

• and the pillar of cloud (וְעַמּוּד הֶעָנָן - v'ammud he'anan): Repetition of the phrase for emphasis, linking the initial appearance to its established position.

• stood over the entrance of the tent (עָמַד עַל פֶּתַח הָאֹהֶל - amad al petach ha'ohel):

  • עָמַד (amad): "Stood." Denotes a fixed, settled presence, indicating not a fleeting glimpse but a steady, observable manifestation.
  • עַל פֶּתַח הָאֹהֶל (al petach ha'ohel): "Over the entrance of the tent." This specific placement made the manifestation visible to both Moses and Joshua, who were commanded to come to the Tent of Meeting, and potentially to others gathered near. The entrance symbolized access to God's presence, and the pillar standing there highlighted God's sovereignty and readiness to interact with His people and their leaders.

• Word-group analysis:

  • "The LORD appeared... in a pillar of cloud": This highlights the theme of divine self-revelation and the specific medium through which God chose to make His presence known visibly to His people, reiterating His guidance and covenant faithfulness.
  • "in the tent... over the entrance of the tent": This dual spatial reference emphasizes that God's presence was both within the sacred space and overtly visible at its point of entry. It signifies His immanence (dwelling among them) and His accessible, overseeing authority. This setup was critical for a direct encounter between God, Moses, and Joshua, validating the transfer of authority.

Deuteronomy 31 15 Bonus section

The recurring theme of God appearing in a cloud or His glory filling His dwelling place (Tabernacle/Temple) is foundational to Israel's theology of presence. This appearance in Deuteronomy 31:15 is a potent reminder of divine immanence—God's active presence in the physical world and within His chosen community. It prefigures the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with humanity in the person of Jesus Christ, who is God manifest in the flesh (Jn 1:14), and in the future New Jerusalem where God's tabernacle will permanently be with man (Rev 21:3). The cloud symbolizes both God's holy distinction and His compassionate closeness, veiling His full glory while making His presence undeniable and guiding. Scholars also see this event as underscoring the legal and administrative weight of God's Law; the very giver of the covenant appears to personally endorse the continuity of His people's leadership and commitment to His Word.

Deuteronomy 31 15 Commentary

Deuteronomy 31:15 records a pivotal divine appearance in the history of Israel, precisely at the critical juncture of Moses’ impending death and Joshua's succession. The manifestation of the LORD in the familiar pillar of cloud, standing prominently at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, served multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it visually authenticated Joshua’s commissioning. As Moses and Joshua stood before God in this theophany, it underscored that Joshua's leadership was divinely appointed, not merely a human selection, giving him authority in the eyes of the people. Secondly, this act served as a powerful reassurance of God's enduring presence and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. Despite Moses, their primary human mediator, being removed, God Himself remained immanently present. This assurance was particularly significant because, as the following verses immediately reveal (Deut 31:16-18), God had already foreseen Israel's future rebellion and apostasy. Even in the shadow of coming unfaithfulness, God affirmed His unwavering commitment, demonstrating that His dwelling among them and His guidance were sustained by His character, not by their transient obedience. This cloud, having guided them through the wilderness for forty years, now stood as a static symbol of His unchanging fidelity and watchfulness over His people as they entered a new era.