Numbers 9:15
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning.

Berean Literal Bible
And on the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony. And from the evening it was above the tabernacle, like the appearance of fire, until morning.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and in the evening it was like the appearance of fire over the tabernacle until morning.

NASB 1995
Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and in the evening it was like the appearance of fire over the tabernacle, until morning.

NASB 1977
Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and in the evening it was like the appearance of fire over the tabernacle, until morning.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and in the evening it was like the appearance of fire over the tabernacle until morning.

Amplified Bible
Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected, the cloud [of God’s presence] covered the tabernacle, that is, the tent of the Testimony; and in the evening it was over the tabernacle, appearing like [a pillar of] fire until the morning.

Berean Annotated Bible
On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning.

Christian Standard Bible
On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and it appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and it appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning.

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

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
On the day the tent of the words of God's promise was set up, the [column of] smoke covered it. From evening until morning, the smoke over the tent glowed like fire.

International Standard Version
On the same morning that the tent was set up, a cloud covered the tent, that is, the Tent of Testimony, and in the evening fire appeared over the tent until morning.

NET Bible
On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle--the tent of the testimony--and from evening until morning there was a fiery appearance over the tabernacle.

New Heart English Bible
On the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the Tent of the Testimony: and at evening it was over the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until morning.

Webster's Bible Translation
And on the day that the tabernacle was erected the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at evening there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning.

World English Bible
On the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the Tent of the Testimony. At evening it was over the tabernacle, as it were the appearance of fire, until morning.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And in the day of the raising up of the Dwelling Place, the cloud has covered the Dwelling Place, even the Tent of the Testimony; and in the evening there is as an appearance of fire on the Dwelling Place until morning;

Berean Literal Bible
And on the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony. And from the evening it was above the tabernacle, like the appearance of fire, until morning.

Young's Literal Translation
And in the day of the raising up of the tabernacle hath the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the tent of the testimony; and in the evening there is on the tabernacle as an appearance of fire till morning;

Smith's Literal Translation
And in the day of the raising up the dwelling the cloud covered the dwelling of the tent of testimony: and in the evening it shall be upon the tent as the appearance of fire till morning.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now on the day that the tabernacle was reared up, a cloud covered it. But from the evening there was over the tabernacle, as it were, the appearance of fire until the morning.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, on the day when the tabernacle was raised, a cloud covered it. But over the tabernacle, from evening until morning, there was, as it seemed, the appearance of fire.

New American Bible
On the day when the tabernacle was erected, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant; but from evening until morning it took on the appearance of fire over the tabernacle.

New Revised Standard Version
On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant; and from evening until morning it was over the tabernacle, having the appearance of fire.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And on the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle of the congregation; in front of the door of the tent of the testimony at evening there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And in the day when the Tabernacle was raised up, a cloud covered the Time Tabernacle and at the door of the Testimony, and in the evening there was on the Tabernacle as the appearance of fire until the morning.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the tent of the testimony; and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until morning.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And in the day in which the tabernacle was pitched the cloud covered the tabernacle, the place of the testimony; and in the evening there was upon the tabernacle as the appearance of fire till the morning.

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Cloud Above the Tabernacle
15On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. 16It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire.…

Cross References
On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up,

Exodus 40:17
So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year.

Exodus 40:2
“On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting.

Exodus 38:21
This is the inventory for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the Testimony, as recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
the cloud covered it

Exodus 40:34-35
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Psalm 105:39
He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.

2 Chronicles 5:13-14
The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.
and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning.

Exodus 40:38
For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.

Psalm 78:14
He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night.

Exodus 13:21-22
And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.
1 Kings 8:10-11
And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.

Nehemiah 9:19
You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.

Exodus 29:43-46
I will also meet with the Israelites there, and that place will be consecrated by My glory. / So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests. / Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. …

Leviticus 16:2
And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.

Isaiah 4:5-6
Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, / a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain.

Ezekiel 10:3-4
Now when the man went in, the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple, and a cloud filled the inner court. / Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and stood over the threshold of the temple. The temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.

Revelation 15:8
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.


Treasury of Scripture

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 on the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.

on the day

Exodus 40:2,18
On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation…

the cloud

Numbers 14:14
And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.

Exodus 14:19,20,24
And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: …

Exodus 33:9,10
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…

at even

Exodus 13:21
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Exodus 40:38
For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

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Appearance Cloud Covered Erected Evening Fire House Morning Namely Raised Raising Reared Tabernacle Tent Testimony Witness
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Appearance Cloud Covered Erected Evening Fire House Morning Namely Raised Raising Reared Tabernacle Tent Testimony Witness
Numbers 9
1. The Passover is again commanded
6. A second Passover for the unclean or absent
15. The cloud directs the removals and encampments of the Israelites












On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up,

Israel’s sanctuary was completed and consecrated in the second year after the exodus. Called the Tent of the Testimony because it housed the ark containing the covenant tablets, it stood at the center of the camp as the appointed place of God’s dwelling among His people.

Exo 40:17 So the tabernacle was set up on the first day…
Exo 40:2 On the first day of the first month, set up the tabernacle…
Exo 38:21 This is the inventory for the tabernacle…

the cloud covered it

The same cloud that had led Israel from Egypt now rested over the tabernacle, showing that the Lord had accepted it as His dwelling place. Its presence directed the nation’s movements throughout the wilderness.

Exo 40:34-35 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting,…
Psa 105:39 He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire…
2Ch 5:13-14 The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise…

and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning.

At night the cloud shone like fire, giving visible assurance that the Lord remained with Israel in darkness as well as daylight. The cloud and fire provided continual guidance, protection, and confirmation of God’s faithful presence.

Exo 40:38 For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day,…
Psa 78:14 He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire…
Exo 13:21-22 And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites, also known as the Tent of the Testimony. It was a portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelled among His people during their journey through the wilderness.

2. The Cloud
A visible manifestation of God's presence and guidance. It covered the tabernacle by day and appeared as fire by night, symbolizing God's constant presence and protection.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, who were led by Moses through the wilderness. They relied on the cloud's movement to know when to set out and when to camp.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who communicated God's instructions to the people and ensured the tabernacle was set up according to God's commands.

5. The Wilderness Journey
The period during which the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, relying on God's guidance and provision.
Teaching Points
God's Presence and Guidance
Just as the cloud and fire signified God's presence with the Israelites, believers today can trust in God's constant presence and guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Obedience to God's Leading
The Israelites moved and camped according to the cloud's movement. Similarly, Christians are called to be sensitive and obedient to God's leading in their lives.

The Importance of Worship
The tabernacle was central to Israel's worship. Believers should prioritize worship and maintain a heart that seeks God's presence.

God's Faithfulness
The consistent presence of the cloud and fire reminds us of God's faithfulness. He is unchanging and reliable, providing for and protecting His people.

Symbolism of Light and Fire
The fire by night symbolizes God's light in the darkness. Christians are called to be light in the world, reflecting God's truth and love.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 9:15?

2. How does Numbers 9:15 demonstrate God's guidance through the cloud over the tabernacle?

3. What significance does the cloud's presence have for Israel's journey and faith?

4. How can we seek God's guidance today as Israel did in Numbers 9:15?

5. Compare the cloud's role in Numbers 9:15 with the Holy Spirit's guidance.

6. How does the tabernacle's cloud relate to God's presence in our daily lives?

7. How does Numbers 9:15 illustrate God's guidance through the cloud and fire?

8. What is the significance of the tabernacle's consecration in Numbers 9:15?

9. How does the cloud's presence in Numbers 9:15 relate to God's faithfulness?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 9?


(15) The cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony.--Better, the tabernacle of (or, belonging to) the tent of the testimony. It is stated in Exodus 40:34, after the account of the erection of the Tabernacle, that the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and that the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. There is, therefore, no sufficient ground for the supposition that the cloud rested on that part of the Tabernacle exclusively in which the two tables of the testimony were kept, i.e., the Holy or Holies. On the contrary, it is stated in Exodus 40:35 that Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud abode upon it, where there is no reference to any particular part of the erection. It is true, however, that it was from above the mercy-seat that the presence of Jehovah was specially manifested, and that it was in the most holy place, in which the ark of the testimony was kept, that He met with Moses and communed with him (Exodus 25:21-23). The account of the cloud covering the Tabernacle is repeated in this place, inasmuch as the history which follows relates the removal of the Tabernacle under the guidance of the same cloud which covered it at its erection.

And at even.--The dark side of the cloud afforded a grateful shade by day, and the bright side of the cloud served to supply light by night. Comp. Psalm 78:14 : "In the day-time also He led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire;" and Nehemiah 9:12 : "Thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar, and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go;" also Isaiah 4:5 : "And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night." . . .

Verse 15. - On the day that the tabernacle was reared up. Here we are sent back again to the great day of Israel's sojourn at Sinai, when God took visible possession of his dwelling in the midst of them (Exodus 40:34). Everything after that was but preparatory to the approaching departure, and therefore is narrated not in any order of time, but either as it referred back to the first day of the first month, or forward to the twentieth day of the second month. The cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony. The testimony was the decalogue written on the two tables of stone, and enshrined within the ark, the moral law which lay at the heart of Judaism. The tent of the testimony was the holy of holies in which the ark dwelt (see on Numbers 10:11; 18:2). The exact meaning of the words מִשְׁכָּז לְאֹהֶל הָעֵדֻח is disputed, or the rather significance of the לְ with which the phrase "tent of the testimony" is appended to the word "tabernacle" (dwelling). Some take it as equivalent in construction to the genitive, "the dwelling of the tent of the testimony;" in which case it would simply mean that the cloud covered the whole tabernacle, the mishcan which enveloped and enclosed the ohel, which again enshrined the ark and the testimony. Others take לְ here in the sense of "at" or "towards," and read, "covered the dwelling, towards the tent of the testimony," i.e., over that part of it in which the testimony was kept. Apart from the strict grammatical question, the comparison of other passages cited (especially Exodus 40:34) seems in favour of the first interpretation, and so apparently the Septuagint and the Targums.

Numbers 9:15 records the inaugural moment when God physically took up residence among His redeemed nation. The freshly erected tabernacle is instantly enveloped by a cloud of glory that turns fiery by night—tangible proof that the Lord Himself guides, protects, and sanctifies His people. Every detail—same-day appearance, covering cloud, fiery brilliance, continual night-long display—assures believers that God faithfully dwells with those who obey His word and that His holy presence is both awe-inspiring and profoundly comforting.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
On the day that
וּבְיוֹם֙ (ū·ḇə·yō·wm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

the tabernacle,
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן (ham·miš·kān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

the Tent
לְאֹ֖הֶל (lə·’ō·hel)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168: A tent

of the Testimony,
הָעֵדֻ֑ת (hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5715: Testimony

was set up,
הָקִ֣ים (hā·qîm)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

the cloud
הֶֽעָנָן֙ (he·‘ā·nān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

covered
כִּסָּ֤ה (kis·sāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover

[it]
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן (ham·miš·kān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

and appeared
כְּמַרְאֵה־ (kə·mar·’êh-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision

like fire
אֵ֖שׁ (’êš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

above
עַֽל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the tabernacle
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן (ham·miš·kān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

from evening
וּבָעֶ֜רֶב (ū·ḇā·‘e·reḇ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153: Evening

until
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

morning.
בֹּֽקֶר׃ (bō·qer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning


Additonal Resources
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OT Law: Numbers 9:15 On the day that the tabernacle was (Nu Num.)

Numbers 9:14
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