So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
The cloud continually covered the tabernacle by day and had the appearance of fire by night, in the sight of all Israel throughout all their journeys. It was the visible sign of God's presence and guidance that Israel watched. Jesus Christ Himself led the people by this sign for forty years in the wilderness.
God Himself directed Israel in all their travels by it, determining when they should camp and when they should journey. When it was for the good of the people and the glory of God to pitch in a certain place, He signified His will by causing the pillar to rest low directly over the tabernacle, and it remained there until He wanted them to journey again. Then the cloud was lifted high above the tabernacle and they went onward. While it remained above the tabernacle they stayed where they were, waiting for it to move and lead them onward.
In all their journeying under this guidance they were required to observe perfect order. The tabernacle was constructed to be taken to pieces and carried with them in all their journeyings. When they rested it was set up with the tribes pitching around it in order, every tribe by its own standard. When they journeyed the ark of the covenant was borne before them under the cloud.
The cloud continually covered the tabernacle by day and had the appearance of fire by night, in the sight of all Israel throughout all their journeys. It was the visible sign of God's presence and guidance that Israel watched. Jesus Christ Himself led the people by this sign for forty years in the wilderness.
God Himself directed Israel in all their travels by it, determining when they should camp and when they should journey. When it was for the good of the people and the glory of God to pitch in a certain place, He signified His will by causing the pillar to rest low directly over the tabernacle, and it remained there until He wanted them to journey again. Then the cloud was lifted high above the tabernacle and they went onward. While it remained above the tabernacle they stayed where they were, waiting for it to move and lead them onward.
In all their journeying under this guidance they were required to observe perfect order. The tabernacle was constructed to be taken to pieces and carried with them in all their journeyings. When they rested it was set up with the tribes pitching around it in order, every tribe by its own standard. When they journeyed the ark of the covenant was borne before them under the cloud.