5. For the lord had told Moses to tell them, “You are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I were to travel with you for even a moment, I would destroy you. Remove your jewelry and fine clothes while I decide what to do with you.”
6. So from the time they left Mount Sinai, the Israelites wore no more jewelry or fine clothes.
7. It was Moses’ practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the lord would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp.
8. Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside.
9. As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at its entrance while the lord spoke with Moses.
10. When the people saw the cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would stand and bow down in front of their own tents.
11. Inside the Tent of Meeting, the lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.
12. One day Moses said to the lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’
13. If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”
14. The lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”