So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels. The cloud by day and the fire by night — the constant visible presence of God accompanying Israel through all their travels. In the sight of all the Israelites: the presence is not private but continuously, publicly, undeniably present to the whole community. The book of Exodus that began with Israel groaning in Egyptian slavery ends with the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle and the fire of God visible to the whole nation every night. What the Exodus was for — the dwelling of God among His people — is accomplished. The journey continues toward the promised land, always accompanied by the cloud that never left.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse