Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 7. Moses took the tabernacle] lhah ha eth haohel, the TENT; not kmh ta eth hammishcan, the tabernacle, the dwelling-place of Jehovah, see chap. xxxv. 11, for this was not as yet erected; but probably the tent of Moses, which was before in the midst of the camp, and to which the congregation came for judgment, and where, no doubt, God frequently met with his servant. This is now removed to a considerable distance from the camp, (two thousand cubits, according to the Talmudists,) as God refuses to dwell any longer among this rebellious people. And as this was the place to which all the people came for justice and judgment, hence it was probably called the tabernacle, more properly the tent, of the congregation.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-11 - Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp. This seem to have been a temporary building, set up for worship, and at which he judged disputes among the people. The people looked after him; the were very desirous to be at peace with God, and concerned to know what would come to pass. The cloudy pillar which had withdrawn from the cam when it was polluted with idolatry, now returned. If our hearts go forth toward God to meet him, he will graciously come to meet us.
Original Hebrew ומשׁה4872 יקח3947 את853 האהל168 ונטה5186 לו מחוץ2351 למחנה4264 הרחק7368 מן4480 המחנה4264 וקרא7121 לו אהל168 מועד4150 והיה1961 כל3605 מבקשׁ1245 יהוה3068 יצא3318 אל413 אהל168 מועד4150 אשׁר834 מחוץ2351 למחנה׃4264
