Numbers 9

Numbers 9:1-23

Numbers 9:1-23(c) The Pillar of Cloud, and of Fire (Numbers 9:1-23) In Numbers 9:1-23 “ the pillar of cloud” is given to guide the children of Israel by day, and “ the pillar of fire” by night. It is exceedingly interesting to note the minute and repeated particulars regarding the movements of the pillar and the effect of the movements on Israel. When the pillar of cloud was stationary, the Israelites had to remain where they were; when the cloud moved, they were to take their journey. “ 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. 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” (Numbers 9:21-22). One step at a time they were guided. They did not know whether they were to stay a night, a week, a month, or a year in one place. Whensoever the cloud moved, they moved; whithersoever it led, they followed. The pillar of cloud is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ who Himself said, “ I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). The children of Israel had the figure; we have the reality. Such a sign was needed in the wilderness journey. Christ as our guide is none the less needed in the wilderness of this world through which we are traveling. To follow Christ is to succeed; to miss Him is to fail. Once the children of Israel refused to follow the guidance of God and were defeated (Numbers 14:44-45).

These things happened unto them for our ensamples. The believer has not only the guidance of the personal Christ, but also of the written Word. Christ is his guide; the Word is his chart. Just as the journey of the children of Israel was already known to God but revealed to them step by step as they were obedient, so the plan of the believer’ s life is known beforehand to the Father (cf. Ephesians 2:10) and is revealed to His children step by step (cf. Romans 8:14). The reference to the silver trumpets in Numbers 10:1-36 is interesting and instructive. The trumpets were sounded for two reasons: to gather the people together for worship, and also for the line of march. These trumpets were made of silver which, typically, symbolizes redemption. Only on the ground of redemption can we worship God or walk well-pleasing in His sight. Nor can Christ be our example unless He is first our Savior. The trumpets, as well as the cloud, were a means of guidance to the chosen people. So the believer, in addition to the personal presence of Christ and the written Word of God, will hear within him a still, small voice, saying, “ This is the way; walk ye in it.”