"So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, after that the children of Israel would journey; and in the place where the cloud settled, there the children of Israel would pitch their tents. At the command of the Lord the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the Lord they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped. Even when the cloud continued long, many days above the tabernacle, the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not journey. So it was, when the cloud was above the tabernacle a few days: according to the command of the Lord they would remain encamped, and according to the command of the Lord they would journey. So it was, when the cloud remained only from evening until morning: when the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they would journey; whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey. Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey. At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed; they kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by the hand of Moses." (vv.16-23)
So it was always: Though Israel had been organized and ordered by God; though they had been cleansed, set apart, blessed, giving, and walking in their priesthood, they still had to be guided by God each step of the way to make it to the Promised Land of Canaan. God did not do all those previous things to make them able to march towards the Promised Land without Him, but to make every step in constant dependence on Him.
When the cloud moved, Israel moved; when the cloud stayed, Israel stayed. They only went where the presence of God led them, and they only stayed where the presence of God stayed. The New Testament also uses cloud imagery to describe the presence of God. Our Lord was overshadowed by the cloud at his transfiguration, and disappeared into a cloud at his ascension (Luke 9:34; Acts 1:9). In a similar way, we as believers must be led by the presence of God. Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts." This means to let the presence of God’s peace be an umpire or a judge in our heart and life.
The movement of the cloud was unpredictable. God would not allow Israel to be led by routine or tradition. They had to see and respond to the presence of God. Wee too should be ready to move in the direction of His leading at all times.
Through our text I believe we are taught to see God as always near us, both night and day - Leading us in His timing and by His will. And, that there is no time lost, while we are waiting on God's time. At the command of His Spirit, our hearts should always move and rest, saying father, thy will be done.
Therefore, meet with Him in His Word both day and night and allow His Spirit to guide your life.
The Truth: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)
