20 So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.—Exodus 13:20-22
God led the people in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. These clouds were associated with the presence of Angel of God…. Day and night God’s people knew He was with them and was leading them.
And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. 20 So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.—Exodus 14:19-20
I have thought often about this passage over the years. Mostly in terms of how I would feel if I was an Israelite journeying through the wilderness WITHOUT the tangible and visible Presence of the Lord. The words adrift and panicked come to mind. I KNOW I would want to go back to the familiar…even if the familiar was slavery in Egypt. It is the same for me today if I contemplate walking through this vale of tears without my Emanuel…my God who is with me. Beloved…our God knows what we need and what we need is Him.
And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 15 Then he said to Him, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.—Exodus 33
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.—Psalm 23
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.—Isaiah 41:10
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.—Isaiah 43:2
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.—Psalm 73:25-26
