Exodus 33:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

From the moment they departed from Egypt, the Israelites recognized that the pillar of cloud represented the presence of the Lord. Consequently, they grasped the profound meaning of the tabernacle of meeting that Moses had established outside the camp. This served as an opportunity for the people to reflect on their own sinful nature. As Moses moved through the camp toward the tabernacle, the entire congregation stood by their tents, and upon the manifestation of the cloud, they bowed down to the ground before returning to their daily activities. It can be inferred that Moses had conveyed this directive to the people.