Enjoy the YouTube Study Video for Place Title Here
Introduction to Study
This study corresponds to the YouTube Playlist Understanding Covenant Language – Exodus 33(B). The foundational verse for this study is Exodus 33:7-11.
In this Interactive Study, we will examine Exodus 33:7-11 to discover what it truly means to seek the Lord. Together, we will explore the difference between seeking and worship, the significance of the Tent of Meeting, and God’s desire to dwell among His people. We will also compare this passage with other Scriptures to trace themes of God’s presence, worship, spiritual apathy, and the importance of responding to God’s voice. Along the way, we’ll observe remarkable glimpses of God’s grace, mercy, and holiness as we discover how He reveals Himself to His people and what our response should be when He calls us to seek Him.
Before You Begin…
Materials Needed
- Bible
- Notebook or Study Journal
- Pen or Pencil
Free Research Tools
- Dictionary: Any online search engine available, i.e., Google Search
- Bible Reference Tools: Blueletterbible.com
- Various Bible Translations/Versions: Biblegateway.com
- Bible Topic Study: OpenBible.info/topics
Let’s Start With the Word
(All studies were completed using the NKJV translation unless otherwise noted. You may also compare the verse with other translations utilizing Bible apps like Biblegateway.com or Blueletterbible.com.)
Foundational Scripture
Exodus 33:7-11 NKJV
Moses Meets with the Lord
7 Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting. And it came to pass that everyone who sought the Lord went out to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp. 8 So it was, whenever Moses went out to the tabernacle, that all the people rose, and each man stood at his tent door and watched Moses until he had gone into the tabernacle. 9 And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. 10 All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshiped, each man in his tent door. 11 So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.
Search It Out
- What did Moses do with his tent, and why?
- What did the people do when they saw Moses go into the tent?
- Did the people ever go to the tent themselves? If so, why?
- What visible sign appeared when Moses entered the Tent of Meeting, and what did it indicate?
- How does Exodus 33:11 describe the relationship between the Lord and Moses:
- Who remained in the tent after Moses returned to the camp?
Berean Study
[Acts 17:11 NKJV “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”]
Now we will dig deeper into understanding by using supporting scriptures.
Go Deeper
Instructions: Read the following Reference scriptures carefully. As you read, pay attention to what each passage reveals and how it connects to the foundational scripture.
Reference Scriptures
Follow the Thread
Multiple Choice
True or False
Each statement is based upon the Reference Verses. Read each statement carefully, then write True or False.
Fill in the Blank
Refer to Reference Verses to complete each sentence.
Match the Scripture to the Statement
Match each scripture to the statement it best supports.
Comparisons
Compare the Old Testament with the New Testament to discover how worship, God’s presence, and access to Him are revealed through Christ. Identify what changed and what remains true for every believer today.
- Comparison #1 – From the Old Testament to the New Testament
According to 1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 4:16, and 1 Corinthians 6:19, what privileges do believers now have?
According to Romans 12:1 and Hebrews 13:5, what now characterizes the believer’s life?
- Comparison #2 – What Does It Mean for the Lamp to Go Out?
According to Proverbs 13:9 and Proverbs 24:20, what does the lamp symbolize?
According to Amos 8:11, Psalm 74:9, and Revelation 2:5, what can happen when people turn away from the Lord?
According to Matthew 25:1–13, what lessons do the wise and foolish virgins teach about keeping the lamp burning?
Google Search:
(Use your internet search engine, or use openbible.info/topic )
What does the Bible say about Worship ?
What does the Bible say about Apathy?
What does the Bible say ______________?
Word Study
Instructions: Look up each word using a dictionary or an online search engine. Write the definition in your notebook or study journal. Then answer the questions using the scriptures listed above.
Worship
Define worship
- What have you been taught about what worship means and looks like?
- According to the definitions you have looked at for the word Worship, how do the definitions compare to what you thought worship was?
- What does worship look like?
Apathy
Define apathy.
- Before looking up the definition, what did you think the word apathy meant?
- According to the definitions you found, how does the meaning of apathy compare to what you previously believed it meant?
- Based on the definitions you researched, what attitudes, behaviors, or characteristics describe an apathetic person?
- What examples of apathy are seen in the Bible?
Reflection
One of the most beautiful truths revealed in this study is not found in what the people did, but in what Yahweh did.
After Israel sinned with the golden calf, their complaint was, “We do not know what has become of Moses” (Exodus 32:1). Yet, in Exodus 33:7–11, while Moses continued interceding for the people, God graciously allowed the entire camp to witness something they had not seen before. Every time Moses walked to the Tent of Meeting, the people could watch him go. They saw him enter the tent. They watched the pillar of cloud descend and stand at the entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses.
God did not have to do that.
He did not owe them a visible reminder of His presence. Yet, in the midst of His righteous anger and while Moses was still interceding on their behalf, God graciously removed the very uncertainty that had become their complaint.
This reveals something wonderful about the character of God. His grace is often seen not only in what He forgives, but also in the ways He patiently helps His people trust Him again. Even in a time of discipline, He continued to make His presence known.
Later, in the days of Samuel, another critical moment arrived. The priesthood had become corrupt, the word of the Lord was rare, and God’s presence was preparing to depart. Before that decisive moment unfolded, the Lord called Samuel and entrusted him with His word. Samuel’s first prophetic message was not one of comfort but of judgment—a message that fulfilled what had already been declared concerning Eli’s house. By then, the period of warning had passed.
Together, these passages reveal both the grace and the holiness of God. He is patient. He reveals Himself. He warns. He calls. Yet Scripture also reminds us that there comes a time when previously rejected warnings become fulfilled judgments.
Consider These Questions
What stood out to you the most in this study?
Consider This
Throughout this study, we have traced the importance of God’s presence. We have seen what happened when Israel failed to wait, how God’s presence was nearly withdrawn, and how Moses faithfully interceded on behalf of the people. We also compared this with the days of Samuel, when the lamp of God was about to go out and the Lord’s presence was preparing to depart because His warnings had been ignored.
Now consider what might have happened if Moses had not interceded.
The Israelites would have continued their journey without the visible presence of God leading them. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night guided, protected, and assured them that the Lord was with them. Without His presence, they would have wandered through the wilderness without His guidance.
Now consider what would happen if the lamp were allowed to go out.
Psalm 107 describes people wandering in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death. Their condition was not hopeless, but it was desperate.
Yet in both situations, God gave the same instruction.
“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.” (Psalm 107)
The answer was not found in their own strength.
The answer was not found in their circumstances.
The answer was found in crying out to the Lord.
Consider These Questions
1. According to Psalm 107:4–9, what happened when those who wandered in the wilderness cried out to the Lord?
2. According to Psalm 107:10–16, what happened when those who sat in darkness and the shadow of death cried out to the Lord?
3. Throughout this study, what common pattern do you see between Exodus 33, 1 Samuel, and Psalm 107?
4. What does Psalm 107 teach us about God’s response to those who sincerely cry out to Him?
Before You Go…
If you find yourself wandering, uncertain, spiritually weary, or feeling as though you are sitting in darkness, remember that the Lord has not left you without hope.
Just as He heard His people in Psalm 107, He still hears those who call upon Him today.
Cry out to the Lord in your trouble. Seek Him with your whole heart. He is faithful to hear, faithful to guide, and faithful to deliver those who call upon His name.
Study Feedback
Did this study complement your personal Bible study?
Did the scriptures help you see ___________ more clearly?
Was there a particular scripture that stood out to you?
Did the interactive sections help you engage more deeply with God’s Word?
Would you like to see studies like this available in print format?
If you have questions or would like further explanation about any of the scriptures shared in this study, please submit your question through the form below.
We would also love to hear your comments on this study.