Follow the Cloud (Numbers 9:17)

May I share with you my recent bible study and reflection on Numbers, Chapter 9. You have heard of the phrase “follow the crowd”. How about “follow the cloud”? Well, this is precisely what the Israelites did. They followed the cloud…

“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
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 we have to stay clean & purified. Let the story of Samson be a warning for us not to be complacent – “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.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 are not good – those in the first group will find it difficult to move (relocate) when the cloud starts to set out (e.g. when the will of God tells us to do something out of our comfort zone), whilst those in the second group miss what God want to do through them in their 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 come 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, or circumstances force you to make a u-turn. From human perspective, people would have thought that you are either fickle-minded or you have made 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 that we are stretched, too tired to move on. 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 times, even though our feet is sore from the day’s walking, our back aching from carrying our possessions, and we are tired of being constantly on the move, remember: (a) to thank God - 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.

In conclusion, we are to watch the cloud at all time. When He set out, we move. When He remained, we stay.