Nehemiah 9:12
Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go. Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.
Christ Himself led ancient Israel through the wilderness, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night to give them light in the way wherein they should go and to direct their journey under special supervision. The guidance operated through the ark containing God's law leading the way and through the movement of the cloud governing travel, so that when it rested on the tabernacle the people remained encamped, and when it lifted they continued their journey. In this leading He acted as Israel's Redeemer, Protector, and wonder-working God. Despite the miracles He wrought for them, they were not saved because they were unwilling to obey His will and to walk in obedience.
In Nehemiah 9 the verse belongs to the repeated recounting of the Lord's works and goodness on behalf of His people. That recounting stands together with and against the record of the people's sins, ingratitude, and turning from God. Their turning from God had separated them from God, and for it He had permitted them to be brought under the control of heathen nations.