THE PILLAR OF CLOUD

NUMBERS 9:1

A. "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 MORNING"
  1. The pillar of cloud:
    1. Became a part of the earthly sanctuary and the journeying of Israel from the time the tabernacle had been constructed
    2. It, doubtless, represented the Divine presence - Ex. 33:14
  2. It became the guide of the Israelites:
    1. When it stayed over the tent, the people stayed and rested
    2. When it was lifted, the people moved B. LET US CONTEMPLATE ON THE PILLAR OF CLOUD AND ITS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE
  3. It was a representation of the Divine presence:
    1. It, in a certain sense, was the visible and tangible sign of God's abiding presence
    2. Because God communed with His people over the mercy seat in the Most Holy
    3. It gave God's people reassurance that His presence gave them full security - Deut. 5:22
  4. It signified, further, that the infinite One became a pilgrim on earth - in the wilderness:
    1. A mark of Divine fellowship - I John 1:3-4
    2. "Lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world" - Matt. 28:20
  5. The presence of the cloud was full assurance to God's pilgrims that all their needs would be met:
    1. Note the detailed provisions - Deut. 33:25
    2. They actually ate the corn of heaven - Ps. 78:24; Neh. 9:15
    3. Both the bread and the water were a type of the everlasting bread and the water of life - John 6:35; 7:38-39; I Cor. 10:4
  6. The pillar of cloud served a twofold purpose:
    1. It protected the people against the heat of the day; and it shielded them against their enemies - Ex. 14:24
    2. That cloud was a group of angels
  7. Perhaps the most notable purpose of the pillar of cloud:
    1. It provided light for the children of Israel
    2. They had no light of their own
    3. Here again we are pointed to the Light of the World - John 14:6; 1:1-7
  8. Finally, the pillar of cloud was their guide:
    1. When it moved - they moved
    2. Then when it stood still; they stood still - Num 9:18 C. WHAT A WONDERFUL LESSON TO US TODAY
  9. Our God knows the earthly environment of His people:
    1. "Like as a father pitieth his children so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him" - Ps. 103:13; Mal. 3:17
    2. "For He knoweth our frame; He knoweth that we are dust" - Ps. 103:14; 78:39
  10. He provides His children with a cloud of angels that minister unto His people:
    1. "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" - Heb. 1:14
    2. They fought to save God's people - Is. 37:36
    3. They led Lot and his family out of Sodom - Gen. 19:1-22
    4. They fed Elijah - I Kings 19:5-6
  11. The pillar of cloud is a fourfold sign to God's remnant people:
    1. The time will come when they will be deprived of the right to make their own living - Rev. 13:16-17
    2. God assures His people of bread and water - Is. 33:16. There can be no doubt but that the angels will minister to them, as they did to Elijah
    3. The light that was provided to ancient Israel is assured to all who walk in darkness Is. 9:2; 10:17; 60:19
    4. The presence of the angel of the Lord will shield the people of God in time of great danger - Ps. 34:7; Gen. 24:7; Ps. 91:11
    5. How wonderful and gracious the Lord is to all who trust under His wings - Ps. 36:7; 57:1; 61:4


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