The Significance of God’s Presence in Numbers 10

I’ve been reading the Bible chronologically and made it to the book of Numbers. I’m always floored by the lessons that lie hidden in the Old Testament books of Law or the
Torah. Numbers is filled with history, details of the law, and stories of judgment and
grace.

Numbers 10 gives detailed information about the Passover – the who, when, and how
they were to celebrate it. It’s all interesting, but Numbers 9: 16-18 always sticks out to
me: 16  That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire.  17  Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. 18  At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.

The Tabernacle or Tent of Testimony was set up for worship and the core of the Israelite
camp. The cloud was God’s presence, and in verse 15, it says that the cloud covered
the Tabernacle, enveloping it in His very being. God’s direction to the Israelite camp was to watch for the movement of His presence in making the decision to pick up and relocate. When the cloud covered the tent, they were to stay where they were, and when the cloud lifted from the tent, they were to move with it. They had to be observant and watchful at the move of His hand, sensitive to His lead, and flexible enough to pick up when He said it was time. What a lesson: move when He says move and stay put when He says stay put. Following God’s lead provides protection, provision, and blessing.

Personally, I’m not going anywhere without Him.