And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD,
and journeyed not. Num 9:19
The History of the Cloud
and journeyed not. Num 9:19
The History of the Cloud
We have here the history of the cloud. Not a natural history—“who knows the balancing's of the clouds?” but a Divine history, of a cloud that was appointed to be the visible symbol of God’s presence with Israel.
I. When the tabernacle was finished this cloud, which before had hung on high over their camp, settled upon the tabernacle and covered it; to show that god manifests his presence with his people in and by his ordinances.
II. That which appeared as a cloud by day appeared as a fire all night; to teach Israel the constancy of his presence with them and care of them (Isa_27:5; Psa_121:6).
III. This pillar of cloud and fire directed and determined all the motions, marches, and encampments of Israel in the wilderness.
1. As long as the cloud rested upon the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place and never stirred. Though no doubt they were very desirous to be pressing forward in their journey towards Canaan, where they hoped to be quickly, yet as long as the cloud rested, if it were a month or a year, so long they rested (Num_9:22). Note, he that believeth doth not make haste. There is no time lost whilst we are waiting God’s time. It is as acceptable a piece of submission to the will of God to sit still contentedly when our lot requires it, as to work for Him when we are called to it.
2. When the cloud was taken up they removed, how comfortably wheresoever they were encamped (Num_9:17). Whether it moved by day or night they delayed not to attend its motions (Num_9:21). And probably there were some appointed to stand sentinel day and night within ken of it, to give timely notice to the camp of its beginning to stir; and this is called keeping the charge of the Lord. The people being thus kept at a constant uncertainty, and having no time fixed for their stays and removes, were obliged to hold themselves in a constant readiness to march upon very short warning. And for the same reason we are kept at uncertainty concerning the time of our putting off the earthly house of this tabernacle, that we may be always ready to remove at the commandment of the Lord.
3. As long and as far as the cloud moved, so long and so far they marched; and just there where it abode they pitched their tents about it, and God’s tent under it (Num_9:17). Note, it is uncomfortable staying when God is departed, but very safe and pleasant going when we see God go before us, and resting where He appoints us to rest.
Lessons:
1. The particular care God takes of His people. Nothing could be more significant of God’s tenderness of Israel than the conduct of this cloud was. It led them by the right way (Psa_107:7); went on their pace; God did by it, as it were, cover them with His feathers. We are not now to expect such sensible tokens of the Divine presence and guidance as this was. But the promise is sure to all God’s spiritual Israel, that He will guide them by His counsel (Psa_73:24) even unto death (Psa_48:14); that all the children of God shall be led by the Spirit of God (Rom_8:14); that He will direct their paths who in all their ways acknowledge Him (Pro_3:6). There is a particular providence conversant about all their affairs to direct and overrule them for the best. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psa_37:22).
2. The particular regard we ought to have to God in all our ways. In our affections and actions we must follow the direction of His Word and Spirit; all the motions of our soul must be guided by the Divine will; at the commandment of the Lord our heart should always move and rest. In all our affairs we must follow providence, reconciling ourselves to all its disposals, and bringing our mind to our condition, whatever it is.
(Matthew Henry, D. D.)
I. When the tabernacle was finished this cloud, which before had hung on high over their camp, settled upon the tabernacle and covered it; to show that god manifests his presence with his people in and by his ordinances.
II. That which appeared as a cloud by day appeared as a fire all night; to teach Israel the constancy of his presence with them and care of them (Isa_27:5; Psa_121:6).
III. This pillar of cloud and fire directed and determined all the motions, marches, and encampments of Israel in the wilderness.
1. As long as the cloud rested upon the tabernacle, so long they continued in the same place and never stirred. Though no doubt they were very desirous to be pressing forward in their journey towards Canaan, where they hoped to be quickly, yet as long as the cloud rested, if it were a month or a year, so long they rested (Num_9:22). Note, he that believeth doth not make haste. There is no time lost whilst we are waiting God’s time. It is as acceptable a piece of submission to the will of God to sit still contentedly when our lot requires it, as to work for Him when we are called to it.
2. When the cloud was taken up they removed, how comfortably wheresoever they were encamped (Num_9:17). Whether it moved by day or night they delayed not to attend its motions (Num_9:21). And probably there were some appointed to stand sentinel day and night within ken of it, to give timely notice to the camp of its beginning to stir; and this is called keeping the charge of the Lord. The people being thus kept at a constant uncertainty, and having no time fixed for their stays and removes, were obliged to hold themselves in a constant readiness to march upon very short warning. And for the same reason we are kept at uncertainty concerning the time of our putting off the earthly house of this tabernacle, that we may be always ready to remove at the commandment of the Lord.
3. As long and as far as the cloud moved, so long and so far they marched; and just there where it abode they pitched their tents about it, and God’s tent under it (Num_9:17). Note, it is uncomfortable staying when God is departed, but very safe and pleasant going when we see God go before us, and resting where He appoints us to rest.
Lessons:
1. The particular care God takes of His people. Nothing could be more significant of God’s tenderness of Israel than the conduct of this cloud was. It led them by the right way (Psa_107:7); went on their pace; God did by it, as it were, cover them with His feathers. We are not now to expect such sensible tokens of the Divine presence and guidance as this was. But the promise is sure to all God’s spiritual Israel, that He will guide them by His counsel (Psa_73:24) even unto death (Psa_48:14); that all the children of God shall be led by the Spirit of God (Rom_8:14); that He will direct their paths who in all their ways acknowledge Him (Pro_3:6). There is a particular providence conversant about all their affairs to direct and overrule them for the best. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psa_37:22).
2. The particular regard we ought to have to God in all our ways. In our affections and actions we must follow the direction of His Word and Spirit; all the motions of our soul must be guided by the Divine will; at the commandment of the Lord our heart should always move and rest. In all our affairs we must follow providence, reconciling ourselves to all its disposals, and bringing our mind to our condition, whatever it is.
(Matthew Henry, D. D.)
Dependence on Divine Guidance
This was the supreme test of obedience. It was comparatively easy to strike tents, when the fleecy folds of the cloud were slowly gathering from off the Tabernacle, and it floated majestically before the host. Change is always delightful; and there was excitement and interest in the route, the scenery, and the locality of the next halting-place. But, ah, the tarrying.
Then, however uninviting and sultry the location, however trying to flesh and blood, however irksome to the impatient disposition, however perilously exposed to danger-- there was no option but to remain encamped.
The Psalmist says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." And what He did for the Old Testament saints He will do for believers throughout all ages.
Still God often keeps us waiting. Face to face with threatening foes, in the midst of alarms, encircled by perils, beneath the impending rock. May we not go? Is it not time to strike our tents? Have we not suffered to the point of utter collapse? May we not exchange the glare and heat for green pastures and still waters?
There is no answer. The cloud tarries, and we must remain, though sure of manna, rock-water, shelter, and defense. God never keeps us at post without assuring us of His presence, and sending us daily supplies.
Wait, servant of God, do not be in a hurry to make a change! Minister, remain at your post! Until the cloud clearly moves, you must tarry. Wait, then, thy Lord’s good pleasure! He will be in plenty of time!--
(Daily Devotional Commentary) -- (Streams in the Desert)
Then, however uninviting and sultry the location, however trying to flesh and blood, however irksome to the impatient disposition, however perilously exposed to danger-- there was no option but to remain encamped.
The Psalmist says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." And what He did for the Old Testament saints He will do for believers throughout all ages.
Still God often keeps us waiting. Face to face with threatening foes, in the midst of alarms, encircled by perils, beneath the impending rock. May we not go? Is it not time to strike our tents? Have we not suffered to the point of utter collapse? May we not exchange the glare and heat for green pastures and still waters?
There is no answer. The cloud tarries, and we must remain, though sure of manna, rock-water, shelter, and defense. God never keeps us at post without assuring us of His presence, and sending us daily supplies.
Wait, servant of God, do not be in a hurry to make a change! Minister, remain at your post! Until the cloud clearly moves, you must tarry. Wait, then, thy Lord’s good pleasure! He will be in plenty of time!--
(Daily Devotional Commentary) -- (Streams in the Desert)
An hour of waiting!
Yet there seems such need
To reach that spot sublime!
I long to reach them-- but I long far more
To trust HIS time!
"Sit still, my daughter"--
Yet the heathen die,
They perish while I stay!
I long to reach them-- but I long far more
To trust HIS way!
’tis good to get,
’tis good indeed to give!
Yet is it better still--
O’’er breadth, thro’’ length, down length, up height,
To trust HIS will!
-- F. M. N.
Yet there seems such need
To reach that spot sublime!
I long to reach them-- but I long far more
To trust HIS time!
"Sit still, my daughter"--
Yet the heathen die,
They perish while I stay!
I long to reach them-- but I long far more
To trust HIS way!
’tis good to get,
’tis good indeed to give!
Yet is it better still--
O’’er breadth, thro’’ length, down length, up height,
To trust HIS will!
-- F. M. N.
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