A period of about half a year was occupied in the building of the tabernacle. When it was completed, Moses examined all the work of the builders, comparing it with the pattern shown him in the mount and the directions he had received from God. "As the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them." With eager interest the multitudes of Israel crowded around to look upon the sacred structure. While they were contemplating the scene with reverent satisfaction, the pillar of cloud floated over the sanctuary and, descending, enveloped it. "And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." There was a revealing of the divine majesty, and for a time even Moses could 350 not enter. With deep emotion the people beheld the token that the work of their hands was accepted. There were no loud demonstrations of rejoicing. A solemn awe rested upon all. But the gladness of their hearts welled up in tears of joy, and they murmured low, earnest words of gratitude that God had condescended to abide with them.

Det tog et halvt år at bygge tabernaklet. Da det var færdigt, undersøgte Moses hele det arbejde, bygmestrene havde udført, og sammenlignede det med det forbillede, han havde set på bjerget, og de anvisninger, han havde fået af Gud. "De havde udført det, som Herren havde sagt; således havde de udført det. Og Moses velsignede dem." Israels hærskare samledes ivrigt rundt om den hellige bygning for at se den. Mens de med tilfredshed stod og betragtede den, svævede skystøtten over helligdommen, sænkede sig og fyldte den. "Og Herrens herlighed fyldte boligen." Guds majestæt åbenbarede sig, og i nogen tid kunne selv Moses ikke gå derind. Dybt bevæget så folket tegnet på, at deres hænders arbejde var godkendt. Der lød ingen højrøstede glædesudbrud. En højtidelig ærefrygt hvilede over alle. Men deres hjertes glæde strømmede over i glædestårer, og med dæmpet, alvorlig røst gav de udtryk for deres taknemmelighed over, at Gud havde nedladt sig til at bo hos dem.