And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.
The cloudy pillar descended. How would the downcast hearts of the people revive-how would the tide of joy swell in every bosom, when the symbolic cloud was seen slowly and majestically to descend and stand at the entrance of the tabernacle!
As Moses entered into the tabernacle, this well-known symbol appeared-a visible token of the divine approval of what Moses did. It was when he appeared as their mediator-when he repaired from day to day to intercede for them-that welcome token of assurance was given that his advocacy prevailed, that Israel's sin was forgiven, and that God would again be gracious.
Verse 11. The Lord spake unto Moses face to face. Yahweh who thus spoke was the Revealing Angel-the Second Person in the Trinity; and therefore the fact stated in this passage is perfectly consistent with the declaration, "God is a Spirit, whom no man hath seen or can see" (1 Timothy 6:16; cf. John 1:18; 1 John 4:12). "Face to face " - i:e., freely, directly, not through the medium of an angel, or in visions and dreams as to the prophets (see the note at Numbers 12:8), or perhaps with a faint adumbration of human nature (see the note at Exodus 33:23; also at Exodus 24:10). Joshua, the son of Nun (see the note at Exodus 17:13-14; Exodus 24:13) х uwmshaarªtow (H8334)] - but his attendant, who waited upon him (Joshua 1:1), "son of Nun" [Septuagint, Ieesous huios Nauee].