“whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; whenever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped” (Num 9:17).
Observation 1: This is No Ordinary Cloud
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Following their exodus from Egypt and during their years of wandering in wilderness, the Israelites know that the cloud hovering over the tabernacle was the visible symbol of the LORD’s presence. Paul W. Kuske, a bible scholar, wrote, “continuously, at any time of day or night, an Israelite was able to look toward the tabernacle and remind himself that even in the most hostile environment of the desert, the Lord was the leader and protector of the people he had chosen as his own”.
Application 1: The Lord’s presence represents the anointing & blessings of God in our lives… The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Num 6:24-26)… But a condition for this continued blessing is that we remain clean & purified. Let the story of Samson be a warning for us to heed – “he did not know that the LORD had left him (Judges 16:20b).” Of course in today’s context, we know that God will never abandon us completely, but we can still be left alone… so, let’s not take his presence and anointing for granted.
Observation 2: The Israelites travelled and camped as God guided.
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God directed the movement of his people by means of the cloud.
¨ When the cloud remained over the tabernacle for a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD’s order and did not set out (v.19).
¨ Sometimes, the cloud was over the tabernacle for a few days; at the LORD’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out (v.20).
¨ Sometimes, the cloud stayed only from evening to morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out (v.21).
Application 2: When the cloud remained stationary for a long time, we can either (a) become so comfortable and accustomed with the surrounding; or (b) become so restless and impatient to move on. Both is not good – those in the first group will find it difficult to move (relocate) when the cloud starts to set out (when the will of God tells you to do something out of your comfort zone), whilst those in the second group misses what God want to do through you in your current situation. Instead of praying, “God, what do you want me to do next?’ it may be better to pray “God, what do you want me to do while I’m right here?” God has a purpose in placing where you are right now.
Application 3: When the cloud remained for a few days, we can be misled to think that we have made a mistake, a wrong choice… God never intended us to stay here… Perhaps, this may sound familiar to some? In obedience, you followed God’s direction to move in a certain direction, but after a short while, you are asked to go another direction. From human perspective, people would have thought that you are fickle-minded or you have a mistake in the first instance. This may not be so… God may direct us one step at a time.
Application 4: When the cloud remained only for the night, we can complain of being stretched. Why can’t we have more time to rest, more time to relax with our family, more time to enjoy the scenery, more time to stop and smell the flower? In such time, even though our feet is sore from the day’s walking and our back aching from carrying our possessions, remember: (a) to thank God that he gave us the night to rest, and (b) to trust God – He knows where He is leading us & His plan is to prosper us, not harm us.
Application 5: For Peace Mission
In conclusion, we are to watch the cloud at all time. When He sets out, we set out. When He remain, we stay.
My own application:
To always be sensitive to the cloud (God’s Presences) in my life, when He remain, I stay, when he move, I move. Quite hard but need to be sensitive to the Him and be alert to the opportunity and opening that he places in front of me.
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