Definition: And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that [was] upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 7:89. It's a really interesting passage about God’s communication with Moses! Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it says that God spoke to Moses directly through the Ark of Testimony. Let’s unpack that a bit: “When Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation…” – This means Moses left the wilderness and went into a special building called the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was a place where God would live and interact with His people. “…to speak with him…” - God wanted to have a conversation with Moses. “from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony…” – This is a really important part! The “mercy seat” was a special box or container that held the Law and instructions from God. It’s like a record of what He wanted for his people. The voice coming from this box was a direct message from God. “…from between the two cherubims…” – This refers to two special pillars (cherubs) in the Ark that held the tablets of Law and instructions. “and he spake unto him.” - This means Moses heard God’s voice directly! He listened intently. So, what's the big takeaway? It shows us that God doesn’t just communicate with people through messengers or intermediaries. He can speak to us directly, and this verse highlights a very powerful moment of communication – a direct conversation between God and Moses. Why is this important? This story is often seen as a symbol of God's intimacy with his people. It’s a reminder that God wants a personal relationship with us, and we can hear Him directly. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Give you some context about the Tabernacle itself?