Numbers 9:15
And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning. And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.
On the day the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered it, namely the tent of the testimony, and the glory filled it so that Moses could not enter. By day the cloud was upon it and at evening until morning there was upon it as it were the appearance of fire, in the sight of all Israel through all their journeys. God himself chose where Israel should camp for their good and for his glory, signifying his will by causing the cloud to rest directly over the tabernacle and keeping it there until he wanted them to journey again. Its settling low directly over the tabernacle meant pitch camp and abide there, and its being lifted high above and moving meant journey again. While it remained above the mountains over the tabernacle and gave no sign of moving, the people waited for it to lead them onward.
In all camping and marching under this guidance Israel was required to observe perfect order, each tribe under its own standard in its commanded place around the tabernacle. The tabernacle was built to be taken to pieces and carried on every journey, with the ark of the covenant borne before the people when they set forward. It was Christ who led Israel through the wilderness in the pillar of cloud, when it settled they camped and when it moved they went forward. The cloud marked God's guidance while Israel was kept apart from surrounding nations, yet the people still broke God's commandments, including the Sabbath, and faced punishment.