This has to be one of the most striking verses found in the Old Testament. Moses had just finished setting up the tabernacle, then he anointed and consecrated it; in a similar fashion its furnishings, altar, and utensils were consecrated (Num. 7:1). Then each day, the leaders of the twelve tribes brought their offerings to the altar (vv. 3–88).

At the end of this procedure of dedication by the tribes, we find an extraordinary scene revealed in a wonderful verse that concludes it. Moses went into the tabernacle to speak with God: “to speak with Him.” As Christians, we are familiar and accustomed to such liberty, or should be, but how marvelous to see it in the midst of a scene where the full liberty of approach to God had not yet been completely opened or revealed—indeed, in the midst of a scene which was but “a shadow of the good things to come” (Heb. 10:1)!

But this is not all. Not only did Moses have liberty to speak to God, but we read that Moses heard God speaking to him from above the mercy seat, and he in turn “spoke to Him.” This exchange could be understood as prayer, but really it was a holy two-way conversation. This is the highest privilege bestowed upon a creature: liberty of communion with the living God.

This was by no means usual in that dispensation, for man was yet kept at a distance from God, and Moses was unique in this (Num. 12:8). A challenge for us is that, due to our very familiarity with our great liberty, we can become dull to this immense privilege available to us as New Testament saints. May we commune with Him before this day is done!