Scripture: Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night. Exodus 14:19-20 ESV
Observation: The “angel of God” here and in Exodus 3:2 and 13:21 is God himself manifested in nature (whether a burning bush, cloud, or fire shaft), and most likely, this epiphany is the second person of the Trinity: the prefigure of Christ. And while the pillar guides the nation to the Promised Land, at this early segment of the saga, it simultaneously doubles as a column of fire on Israel’s side to light God’s people across the dry seafloor and as a darkened cloud cover to the Egyptian army to blind them from seeing and attacking Israel.
Takeaway: There is much symbolism beyond the surface of this narrative. First, the cloud created a cloak of darkness, intended to spark Pharaoh and his men to remember the eery blackout of the ninth plague—a harbinger to the tenth plague’s death sentence. But Pharaoh and his fighting men’s minds and hearts are stubbornly clouded by pride and anger, and they will soon meet their graves in the depths of the sea. And while darkness beckons judgment and death, the light of the fire points Israel to salvation and life. Lastly, we see the reversal of some aspects of the Creation Story. Where God called light to come forth from darkness and the seas to separate from dry land, here, he ushers darkness from the light of day and exposes dry land from a parting sea. But Creation Order is soon to be restored.
So how does this story, with its fascinating imagery and symbolism, speak to us? Our Lord has our backside. We often talk about following Christ and the lead of the Holy Spirit, but our Triune God’s guidance and protection are full-orbed. When we feel oppressed by the presence of evil, we need only to wait on the Lord, who will at the right time fluster and discourage those who seek to perpetrate evil against us under their very clouds of darkness. And when he tells us to move out, he lights our way forward.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you that you have our backside, as evidenced by the gifts of your Son, who has rescued us from the death sentence of sin, and your Holy Spirit, who delivers us from the power of sin. Would you please help us trust in your protection when our enemies press in towards us, that we might stand firm until you show us the next steps? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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