Translations
Modern
Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they would set out. Whether it was by day or by night, when the cloud was taken up, they would set out.
Traditional
And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
Literal
And it was, when the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and the cloud was taken up in the morning, that they would journey. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey.
Latin
Si fuisset nubes a vespere usque mane, et statim diluculo tabernaculum reliquisset, proficiscebantur: et si post diem et noctem recessisset, dissipabant tentoria.
Original
Hebrew
English
Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they would set out. Whether it was by day or by night, when the cloud was taken up, they would set out.
Notes
Even Israel's enemies saw the fiery cloud (14:14). This clearly represented God's glorious presence and the way he guided their movement.
This passage is similar to Exodus 40:17, 34–38. It gives more details about how God used the pillar of cloud and fire to lead his people (see also Exodus 13:21–22). The Lord was faithful and clearly guided his people in the wilderness.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
Glossary
Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Numbers, Book of
Topics
Cloud of Glory was Designed to Regulate the Movements of Israel Cloud: Pillar of Fire: Pillar of Fire God: Preserver in the Wilderness Obedience: The Israelites The High Priest: Duties of Consecrating the Levites The Theocracy: or Immediate Government by God: Consisted in His: Directing the Movements of the Nation