November 15th 2017 – Exodus 13:20-22

And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

Exodus 13:20-22

By the same token (see the previous Note) the pillar was a guarantee of His shelter and protection. The reference in Psalm 105:39 seems to indicate that the cloud was a shade to them from the excessive heat of the day, while Exodus 14:19, 20 reveals the marvellous activity of the cloud coming between them and their enemies, to protect them in the hour of danger from foes seen and unseen. One wonders whether David was thinking of the pillar when he wrote Psalm 121. God was certainly the keeper of His people, their shade upon their right hand. Nor is it a far step from this to the moving New Testament picture in Matthew 23:37, 'How often would I have gathered thy children together as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings …'. The protecting love of God is fierce and tender, rugged and gentle, and in Christ this is all ours. Blessed are they that put their trust in Him.