Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light… The pillar of cloud and of fire was certainly (1) sacramental (1 Corinthians 10:1, 2); (2) of a typical character (Isaiah 4:5; Numbers 14:42).He whom the cloudy and fiery pillar typified was the same Almighty Being who hath said to the faithful members of his militant Church, in every age of its warfare, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." The cloud was manifestly intended — I. TO GUIDE THE ISRAELITES THROUGH THE WILDERNESS. 1. The pillar of cloud guided the children of Israel with infallible certainty. God Himself was in it; and unless He could err, their way could not be mistaken. Mark here, the glorious character of the Bible, — that light to our feet with which the unsearchable compassion of our Saviour's love has provided us. It testifies of Christ. It embodies His teaching and salvation, as the pillar contained them in the.wilderness. 2. This wondrous appearance in the heavens was a constant director to Israel. In every emergency the page of divine truth may be consulted. II. The cloudy and fiery pillar afforded not merely guidance, but PROTECTION to the Israelites in their eventful march. Sin invades, temptation threatens, and every spiritual enemy seems permitted to assail with a fierceness which might well gather gloom and despondency around the heart; but the fainting Christian is encouraged by that voice which speaks as from the cloud between him and his enemies. "Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God." His life is hid with Christ in God; and amidst every trial and seduction by which his salvation is endangered, he may lay bold upon One who walks with him, and has promised to uphold him with the sufficiency of an Almighty arm. III. The pillar of cloud and of fire had yet another office to perform for the children of Israel. IT GAVE THEM REFRESHMENT AND COMFORT IN THE WILDERNESS. Now say, O Christian, is it not thus with thee in the hour of thy most oppressive trial? (R. P. Buddicom.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: |
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