Definition: And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Numbers 16:42. It’s a really interesting passage about God’s presence and how He chooses to show Himself. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is showing His power and majesty through the Tabernacle. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it came to pass…”: This sets up a story – something unusual happened. It's like a snapshot of a moment. “…when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron…”: This tells us there were people present who disagreed with both Moses (the leader) and Aaron (a priest). They were arguing. “that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation…”: The tabernacle is a special, covered space where God lived among his people. It was built for worship and to show His presence. They were focused on it. “and, behold, the cloud covered it…”: This is key! When the cloud covers the tabernacle, it’s a sign of God's presence. Clouds are often seen as symbols of heaven and divine power. “…and the glory of the LORD appeared.”: This means that when the cloud covers the tabernacle, you see God shining down – His glory and power are revealed! It’s like a spotlight on God. So, what's the big takeaway? It was a moment where God actively chose to show Himself in a powerful way. He wasn't just there ; He was actively present and visible through His divine presence – symbolized by the cloud covering the tabernacle. Why is this important? This story shows that God wants us to see Him! It’s a reminder that when we are in worship or prayer, we’re connecting with the divine. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and His desire for our attention and devotion. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail?