Exodus 33:7

used to take, &c. at every new encampment of the Israelites.

the tent As the context shews, not Moses" tent, or a provisional tent, but the same sacred tent which is mentioned by P, under the same name (Exodus 25:22), though described by him as a much more ornate and elaborate structure (see further Kennedy in DB.iv. 654). It is introduced as something already known (- thetent"): in all probability it had been just mentioned in a part of E no longer preserved (cf. on v.6); and as it was a well-known element of the tradition, the art could be retained by the compiler. The rend. - atent," which Heb. idiom would also permit (G.-K. § 126 r, s), does not suit the sequel, which implies that not a casual, but a definitetent, is meant.

pitch it Heb. pitch it for himself: it was intended particularly for his own use, in his converse with God. P's -Tent of Meeting" was used similarly (Exodus 25:22; Leviticus 1:1; Numbers 7:89): but that is represented principally as a centre for sacrifice and other ceremonial observances.

without the camp like the local sanctuaries of a later age, outside the towns of Canaan.

The tent of meeting I.e. the tent where Jehovah used to -meet" Moses, and communicate to him His will. See more fully on Exodus 27:21.

every one which sought, &c. Every one who desired to -seek" Jehovah in order to obtain an oracle (2 Samuel 21:1 Heb.: cf. p. 314, McNeile, p. cxvi f., EB.iii. 3841; Jdg 18:5, 1 Samuel 22:10; 1 Samuel 23:2; 2 Samuel 16:23), perhaps also with sacrifice or prayer (2 Samuel 12:16) would go out to the Tent of Meeting for the purpose.