Numbers 9 15

Numbers 9:15 kjv

And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.

Numbers 9:15 nkjv

Now on the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the Testimony; from evening until morning it was above the tabernacle like the appearance of fire.

Numbers 9:15 niv

On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire.

Numbers 9:15 esv

On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning.

Numbers 9:15 nlt

On the day the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered it. But from evening until morning the cloud over the Tabernacle looked like a pillar of fire.

Numbers 9 verses

Numbers 9 15 Meaning

On the inaugural day of the Tabernacle's erection, God's visible presence, in the form of a cloud, immediately covered it, signifying divine approval and the start of His dwelling among Israel. In the hours of darkness, this protective cloud transformed to appear like fire, serving as a beacon throughout the night until morning. This miraculous display demonstrated God's constant presence, protection, and guidance for His people.

Numbers 9 15 Context

Numbers chapter 9 elaborates on the divine instructions for Israel's conduct in the wilderness, specifically addressing the proper observance of Passover and the principles of God's guidance through the desert journey. This verse marks a pivotal moment, occurring one year after the Exodus, when the Tabernacle (sanctuary of worship and God's dwelling place among His people) was finally set up according to God's precise commands. Its completion was immediately authenticated by God's visible glory, manifesting as a cloud by day and fire by night. This demonstration established the means by which Israel would discern God's will to either encamp or move, ensuring their pilgrimage was entirely under divine direction.

Numbers 9 15 Word analysis

• Now on the day (וּבְיוֹם - u-v'yom): The prefixed "וּ" (u) means "and" or "now," connecting this event directly to previous instructions. "ביום" (b'yom) means "in the day" or "on the day," specifically marking the moment the Tabernacle was consecrated for use, signifying an inauguration. This precise timing underscores divine intentionality.

• that the tabernacle (הַמִּשְׁכָּן - ha-miškan): The definite article "הַ" (ha) points to the specific Tabernacle. "מִשְׁכָּן" (miškan) is from the root "שׁכן" (shakan), meaning "to dwell." It refers to the portable sanctuary built according to divine blueprints, signifying God's temporary, movable dwelling place among His people in the wilderness. It symbolized God's immanent presence.

• was raised up (הוּקַם - hûqām): This verb is in the Hophal stem, indicating a passive causative ("was caused to be stood up" or "was established"). It suggests that while human hands performed the labor, God was the ultimate agent who caused it to be erected and established for its divine purpose. This emphasizes God's sovereignty over its construction and function.

• the cloud (הֶעָנָן - he'ānān): The definite article points to the unique, miraculous cloud that specifically accompanied Israel's journey from Egypt. It was a tangible, visible manifestation of God's presence (Shekinah glory), a symbol of His power, protection, and leading. This cloud covered and filled the sacred space, authenticating it as God's dwelling.

• covered (כִּסָּה - kissāh): From the root "כסה" (kasah), meaning "to cover," "conceal," or "clothe." Here it denotes divine envelopment and overshadowing, signifying ownership, protection, and consecration. It marked the Tabernacle as a sacred space set apart for God's presence, indicating His approval and taking possession of it.

• namely, the tent of the testimony (אֹהֶל הָעֵדֻת - ōhel hā'ēdût): This phrase clarifies and emphasizes the primary purpose and nature of the Tabernacle. "אֹהֶל" (ōhel) means "tent" or "tabernacle." "עֵדֻת" ('ēdût) means "testimony" or "witness," referring to the tablets of the Law (the Ten Commandments) placed within the Ark of the Covenant, which was housed in the Tabernacle's most sacred inner chamber. This emphasizes that God's dwelling place was intrinsically linked to His covenant and revealed word.

• and in the evening (וָעֶרֶב - va-ʻerev): The prefixed "וָ" (va) means "and" or "but." "עֶרֶב" ('erev) denotes the twilight period or evening. This specific temporal detail indicates the change in manifestation as darkness fell, demonstrating God's provision for both day and night conditions.

• it was over the tabernacle (הָיָה עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן - hayah ʻal-hammiškan): "הָיָה" (hayah) means "it was" or "it came to be," signifying a continuous state. "עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן" (ʻal-hammiškan) means "over the tabernacle," reiterating the specific location of the divine manifestation. The presence remained fixed above God's dwelling.

• like the appearance of fire (כְּמַרְאֵה אֵשׁ - k'mar'ēh 'eš): "כְּ" (k') means "like" or "as," indicating a simile, not literal fire. "מַרְאֶה" (mar'ēh) means "appearance" or "sight." "אֵשׁ" ('eš) means "fire." This describes the brilliant, illuminating manifestation of God's presence at night. Fire often symbolizes God's holiness, purifying presence, and consuming power, here transformed into a guiding light and protection against the darkness and dangers of the wilderness.

• until morning (עַד־בֹּקֶר - ʻad-bōqer): "עַד" ('ad) means "until," and "בֹּקֶר" (bōqer) means "morning." This specifies the duration of the fiery manifestation, emphasizing the unwavering, perpetual nature of God's presence and guidance through the cycle of day and night.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Now on the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle": This sequence establishes the official inauguration of the Tabernacle and God's immediate, visible confirmation of it. The passive voice ("was raised up") implies God's enablement and blessing on man's labor. The cloud's immediate covering denotes God's acceptance and inhabitation, making the structure a consecrated dwelling.
  • "namely, the tent of the testimony": This explanatory phrase clarifies that the Tabernacle was not merely a structure but served a foundational theological purpose: housing God's Law (Testimony) and representing His covenant relationship with Israel. It underscored the Tabernacle's role as the central witness of God's presence and His authoritative word.
  • "and in the evening it was over the tabernacle, like the appearance of fire until morning": This detail highlights God's continuous and adapting care. The cloud transforming into a pillar of fire by night assured Israel of His constant presence, protection from the dark unknown, and illuminating guidance regardless of time. This divine pillar was a perpetual visual sign of Yahweh's fidelity to His covenant and His leading.

Numbers 9 15 Bonus section

The imagery of the cloud and fire is unique to God's presence with Israel in the wilderness, providing them with a concrete, observable sign of His leading. It countered any temptation for Israel to look to human leaders or pagan deities for guidance, as this sign was clearly supernatural. The cloud and fire are an extension of the Glory of the Lord that first appeared at Mount Sinai, signifying that God’s holy presence had moved from the mountain of revelation to dwell centrally within the Israelite camp. The continuity from day to night signifies that God's watchcare never ceased. The phrase "appearance of fire" highlights the wonder and transcendence of God, as it was not literal consuming fire but the visible manifestation of His glorious presence that brought comfort and direction. This perpetual sign established a profound precedent for all future generations about how God leads His people: through a direct and unmistakable display of His will.

Numbers 9 15 Commentary

Numbers 9:15 concisely encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's manifest, continuous presence among His people. From the very moment the Tabernacle, His earthly dwelling place, was erected, the Divine Presence (the Shekinah cloud and fire) enveloped it. This was not a temporary phenomenon but a perpetual, visible authentication of His covenant fidelity. The cloud by day provided cover and guidance, symbolizing His intimate leadership, while the appearance of fire by night offered light and protection against the wilderness's darkness and dangers, a beacon of divine watchfulness. This pillar was the very center of Israel's life, dictating their movements and reminding them daily that their journey was under God's explicit command and protection. It underscores the vital necessity of God's leadership for their wilderness pilgrimage and prefigures the ultimate dwelling of God among men in Christ (Jn 1:14) and His continued guidance through the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:14). It serves as a reminder that where God's dwelling (His Church, His Spirit within believers) is, there His Presence and guidance remain.