Numbers 9:15-23 comments: the cloud covered the tabernacle by day and the appearance of fire by night

 

Numbers 9:15 ¶  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. 16  So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. 17  And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents. 18  At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents. 19  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. 20  And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed. 21  And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. 22  Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed. 23  At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

 

The cloud covering the tabernacle has the power of God in it. It is very similar to the references in the New Testament using overshadow, to cast a shadow.

Matthew 17:5  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

 

Luke 1:35  And the angel answered and said unto her [speaking to Mary], The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

 

Luke 9:34  While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

 

Acts 5:15  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

 

All in all, this is a pretty amazing thing to be led by God this way. There was no question. You simply waited on God. How we do wish things could be so clear for us. Remember how Abraham and Sarah did not wait on God in the events surrounding Hagar, Ishmael, and Issac? God promised Abraham a son but Abraham grew impatient and much trouble proceeded from his impetuous behavior.

The Hebrews here are to wait until God moves, then they move.