share torah logo

Exodus 40:36 - Divine cloud guides Israel's journey

Exodus 40:36 - שמות 40:36

Hebrew Text

וּבְהֵעָלוֹת הֶעָנָן מֵעַל הַמִּשְׁכָּן יִסְעוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּכֹל מַסְעֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Yisra᾽el went onward in all their journeys:

Transliteration

Uveha'alot he'anan meal hamishkan yis'u bnei Yisrael bechol masseihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְהֵעָל֤וֹת הֶֽעָנָן֙ מֵעַ֣ל הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן יִסְע֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל בְּכֹ֖ל מַסְעֵיהֶֽם׃
וּבְהֵעָל֤וֹת הֶֽעָנָן֙ מֵעַ֣ל הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן יִסְע֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל בְּכֹ֖ל מַסְעֵיהֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Cloud as Divine Guidance

The verse (Shemot 40:36) describes how Bnei Yisrael journeyed based on the movement of the cloud that rested upon the Mishkan. Rashi explains that this cloud was the Anan HaKavod (Cloud of Glory), which served as a visible sign of Hashem's presence and direct guidance for the nation. When the cloud lifted, it signaled that they should travel; when it rested, they encamped (Rashi on Bamidbar 9:17).

Total Dependence on Divine Will

The Ramban (Bamidbar 9:20) emphasizes that Bnei Yisrael had no control over their travels—whether they stayed in one place for years or moved after a single day depended entirely on Hashem's command through the cloud. This taught them complete bitachon (trust) in Divine providence, reinforcing that their journey was not merely physical but spiritually directed.

Symbolism of the Cloud

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:2) compares the cloud to a chuppah, symbolizing Hashem's protective love for Israel. Just as a chuppah shelters a bride, the cloud shielded them from enemies and natural dangers (e.g., extreme heat or wild animals). Additionally, the Talmud (Shabbat 31a) notes that the cloud purified the camp, ensuring spiritual readiness for travel.

Lessons for All Journeys

  • Divine Timing: The cloud’s movements teach that every step in life must align with Hashem’s will (Sforno on Bamidbar 9:18).
  • Unity: The entire nation moved or rested as one, reflecting collective responsibility (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:7).
  • Adaptability: Whether encamped or traveling, Bnei Yisrael remained devoted to Torah study and mitzvot (Mechilta D'Rabbi Yishmael, Beshalach 1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 53b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the movement of the Ark and the cloud during the journeys of the Israelites in the wilderness.
📖 Sotah 35a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the divine guidance provided to the Israelites through the cloud over the Tabernacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the cloud over the Tabernacle symbolize in Exodus 40:36?
A: The cloud (ענן) over the Tabernacle symbolizes the Divine Presence (שכינה) guiding the Israelites in the wilderness. According to Rashi, this cloud was a visible sign of Hashem's protection and direction, showing when they should travel and when they should camp.
Q: Why did the Israelites only move when the cloud lifted in Exodus 40:36?
A: The Israelites followed Hashem's direct guidance—when the cloud lifted, it was a sign from Hashem that they should journey forward (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah). This teaches the importance of relying on Divine direction rather than human decisions alone.
Q: How does Exodus 40:36 apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Israelites followed the cloud, we must seek and recognize Hashem's guidance in our lives—through Torah, mitzvot, and the wisdom of our sages (Talmud, Berachot 33b). The verse reminds us to be attentive to Divine signs in our personal and communal journeys.
Q: What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience to the cloud in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:2) highlights their complete faith in Hashem—they traveled or stayed based solely on the cloud's movement, even in harsh conditions. This teaches us the value of trust (bitachon) and submission to Hashem's will.
Q: Was the cloud over the Tabernacle the same as the Pillar of Cloud and Fire?
A: Yes, traditional sources (Rashi on Exodus 13:21) explain that the cloud over the Tabernacle was the same Divine Cloud that led them by day (and a Pillar of Fire by night), demonstrating Hashem's constant presence with the Jewish people.