Exodus 13:22

He took not away. Literally, “gave not away,” or “did not depart,” RSV. The last distinct mention of the cloud is in Num. 16:42, although Num. 20:6 may possibly allude to it. From Neh. 9:19 and Num. 9:15-23 we conclude that the pillar of cloud and fire remained with Israel throughout their wilderness wanderings. Since there is no mention of it in the book of Joshua, it may have disappeared just before the crossing of the Jordan, at the end of the 40 years.

The fact that the pillar of cloud remained with Israel throughout their long journey, even when they were unfaithful, is assurance to the Christian that God will not soon forsake him on his way through life. The promise of Jesus to His disciples, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20), has never failed anyone willing to follow where He leads. There is no experience of life in which God withdraws Himself. He is present in the darkest nights of misery and disappointment as well as on the brightest days of gladness and success. True, we need Him in the night, when conscious of our need, but perhaps even more during the day, when we are prone to feel confident of self. The visible pillar is no longer to be seen, but God’s presence can still be felt in the experience of the individual, the church, and the nations. Blessed is the man whose eyes are not so dim but that he can discern the leading of the Lord.