What happened when the tabernacle was finally set up in Exodus 40:34?
At its completion, the cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter because the cloud—God's presence, called the Shekinah glory—abode on it, resting over the Holy of Holies.
Les explains that the whole tabernacle complex was now complete, set up, and ready for the institution of worship. As soon as the tabernacle was set up and everything was in place, a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord, or Jehovah, filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of the congregation because the cloud, the very presence of God, called the Shekinah glory, abode thereon and filled the tabernacle. Les connects this to the same cloud that first appeared when Israel came out of Goshen and was encamped at the Red Sea, where it protected Israel and became darkness to the Egyptians, and at night became the pillar of fire. This same cloud now rested over the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was, filling that back room of the tabernacle.
Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.