Numbers 9:15-23 And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony… We have here the history of the cloud. Not a natural history — "who knows the balancings 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 (Isaiah 27:5; Psalm 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 (ver. 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 soever they were encamped (ver. 17). Whether it moved by day or night they delayed not to attend its motions (ver. 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 (ver. 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 (Psalm 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 (Psalm 83:24) even unto death (Psalm 48:14); that all the children of God shall be led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14); that He will direct their paths who in all their ways acknowledge Him (Proverbs 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 (Psalm 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..) Parallel Verses KJV: And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning. |
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