Exodus 13:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

NASB: And the Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night.

CSB: The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night.

NLT: The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.

KJV: And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

NKJV: And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.

God actively leads Israel on their journey out of Egypt (Exodus 13:17–18) using an impressive display. The Hebrew term 'ammud describes a column: a cylinder shape. God visibly appears to the nation covered by a cylinder of clouds (Exodus 33:20). Later descriptions strongly suggest the clouds and fire were part of a single column (Exodus 14:19–20, 24; 40:38). This display was visible during the day because of the clouds, and at night because of the "fire," which may have been lightning. Artist's depictions of these columns often resemble a tornado, though this passage does not use Hebrew words for a swirling stormy wind.

This guide was always there, never disappearing, as Israel traveled (Exodus 13:22). Having a constant guide, and light at night, helped Israel to travel quickly. This will become important, as the Egyptian army will soon chase them down (Exodus 14:5–8, 19). By then, the people will be on the seashore (Exodus 14:2). There, the pillar will move from leading Israel to guarding the exposed rear of their caravan (Exodus 14:19–20).

Exodus 13:17–22 depicts Israel's initial travel out of Egypt. Moses personally carries the bones of Joseph (Genesis 50:25). God's chosen path avoids Philistine territory so the people won't be tempted to backtrack into Egypt. He leads the people using a column of clouds which also contains flames or lightning. This allows the nation to keep moving, day and night. This hasty movement is important. Egyptian soldiers will not catch up to Israel until they are at the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:5–9). There, the Lord will perform another miraculous act of rescue (Exodus 14:26–30).

God reiterates the requirements of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Israel is to celebrate this every year as a way of remembering their liberation from Egyptian slavery. In addition, the people are to consecrate all of the first-born of any mother—both people and animals. Animals that cannot be sacrificed are to be redeemed. Sons are to be redeemed by an animal sacrifice. The Lord creates a column of clouds for the people to follow during the day, which is lit by fire so they can also follow it at night. This keeps them moving quickly. Soon, Egyptian soldiers will catch up to them and God will once again provide miraculous rescue (Exodus 14).

The Lord has just freed Israel from centuries of Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12). The final blow to Egypt was the death of all firstborn (Exodus 12:29–32) on the night of the first Passover (Exodus 12:12–13). God's guidelines for that night are partly repeated here along with directions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He instructs the nation about consecrating their own firstborn as He guides them. A column of fiery clouds helps the people travel day and night. This haste is important because Egypt's king is about to change his mind. He will soon send the Egyptian military to chase down the Israelites (Exodus 14).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.