God Led The Israelites by a Cloud And by Fire

Topic: Guidance
Passage: Exodus 13:17–22

November 11, 2021

Commentary

The shortest way to Palestine was through the territory of the Philistines in the direction of  Beersheba. God chose to lead His people, not on the nearest way, but the way that was best  for them (vv. 17-18), just as He does today. He led them southward, instead of eastward, by way of Etham to the western edge of the Red Sea (vv. 19-20).

Moses had heard of Joseph’s request that his bones be taken from Egypt so he honored that request. Joseph dying words had been, “God will come to your rescue, and when He does, be sure to take along my bones."  Doubtless the coffin containing his embalmed body (Gen. 50:26) became a rallying point for the Hebrews in their wilderness wanderings.

The Israelites were supernaturally guided by a pillar of cloud in the daytime, which  became a pillar of fire by night. God always makes His way clear to those who are willing to follow. In some ways this pillar typified the Holy Spirit as it provided the following:

  1. A road map for the children of Israel through the wilderness (v. 21). 
  2. A light for them to travel by night (v. 21).
  3. Protection for the Israelites from the heat of the sun in the sandy dessert (v. 22).
  4. Darkness to hid the Israelites from the Egyptians (Ex. 14:20). 

This way the Lord could lead them at all times, whether day or night.

Application

It is so easy for me to ask God to bless my plans when I need to be seeking how I can fit into His plans for my life.

Exodus 13:17– 22 (NET)

17 When Pharaoh released the people, God did not lead them by the way to the land of the Philistines, although that was nearby, for God said, “Lest the people change their minds and return to Egypt when they experience war.” 18 So God brought the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea, and the Israelites went up from the land of Egypt prepared for battle.

19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the Israelites solemnly swear, “God will surely attend to you, and you will carry my bones up from this place with you.”

20 They journeyed from Sukkoth and camped in Etham, on the edge of the desert. 21 Now the Lord was going before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them in the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel day or night. 22 He did not remove the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night from before the people.