And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, Then the Angel of GodThe term "Angel of God" in Hebrew is "מַלְאַךְ אֱלֹהִים" (mal'akh Elohim). This phrase often refers to a divine messenger or a manifestation of God's presence. In the context of Exodus, the Angel of God is seen as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humankind. This angel is not merely a created being but represents God's direct intervention and guidance. Historically, this presence reassured the Israelites of God's protection and leadership as they faced the daunting challenge of escaping Egypt. who had been traveling in front of the Israelite army
The phrase indicates the leadership and guidance provided by the Angel of God. The Hebrew word for "traveling" is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which means to walk or go. This suggests a continuous, active presence leading the Israelites. The historical context here is significant; the Israelites were a newly liberated people, unfamiliar with the wilderness, and in need of divine guidance. The Angel's position at the front symbolizes God's role as a shepherd leading His flock. withdrew and went behind them
The action of withdrawing and repositioning signifies a strategic shift in divine protection. The Hebrew root "אָסַף" (asaf) for "withdrew" implies gathering or removing, indicating a deliberate and purposeful movement. This change in position highlights God's adaptability in providing protection. Historically, this move was crucial as it placed a barrier between the Israelites and the pursuing Egyptian army, demonstrating God's foresight and care. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them
The "pillar of cloud" is a significant symbol of God's presence and guidance, known in Hebrew as "עַמּוּד הֶעָנָן" (ammud he'anan). This cloud served as a visible sign of God's presence, providing guidance by day and protection by night. The movement of the cloud from the front to the rear of the Israelite camp is a powerful image of divine protection. In the historical context of the Exodus, this movement was a tactical maneuver to shield the Israelites from the Egyptians, emphasizing God's role as a protector and defender. The cloud's dual function as guidance and protection underscores the comprehensive nature of God's care for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Angel of GodA divine messenger or manifestation of God, often seen as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ in conservative Christian theology. This Angel leads and protects the Israelites. 2. The Camp of IsraelRefers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who were escaping from slavery in Egypt and journeying towards the Promised Land. 3. The Pillar of CloudA physical manifestation of God's presence, providing guidance and protection to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. 4. EgyptThe land from which the Israelites were escaping, representing bondage and oppression. 5. The Red SeaThe body of water that the Israelites were about to cross, symbolizing a barrier that God would miraculously overcome for His people. Teaching Points God's Presence and ProtectionJust as God moved to protect the Israelites, He is actively involved in our lives, guiding and shielding us from harm. Divine GuidanceThe movement of the pillar of cloud illustrates that God leads us in ways that may not always be visible or expected, but are always for our good. Trust in God's TimingThe repositioning of the Angel and the cloud teaches us to trust God's timing and methods, even when they seem unconventional. Spiritual WarfareThe protection of the Israelites from the Egyptians is a reminder of the spiritual battles we face and the assurance of God's defense. Faith in TransitionAs the Israelites were transitioning from slavery to freedom, we too must have faith during times of change, trusting in God's plan for our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the Angel of God in Exodus 14:19 reflect the nature of Christ as our protector and guide? 2. In what ways can we recognize and follow God's guidance in our lives today, similar to how the Israelites followed the pillar of cloud? 3. How does the movement of the pillar of cloud from before to behind the Israelites illustrate God's protection in our spiritual battles? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant transition in your life. How did you see God's hand guiding and protecting you during that time? 5. How can the account of the Exodus and the crossing of the Red Sea inspire us to trust God in seemingly impossible situations? Consider connections to other biblical accounts of deliverance. Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 13:21-22Describes the pillar of cloud and fire leading the Israelites, emphasizing God's constant guidance and presence. Psalm 105:39Reflects on God's provision and protection for Israel during the Exodus, including the cloud covering. 1 Corinthians 10:1-2Paul refers to the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea as a form of baptism, symbolizing deliverance and new beginnings. Isaiah 52:12Speaks of God going before and behind His people, ensuring their safety and guidance. People Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, ZephonPlaces Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red SeaTopics Angel, Army, Behind, Camp, Cloud, Face, Front, Host, Israel's, Journeyeth, Messenger, Moved, Moving, Pillar, Rear, Removed, Rest, Standeth, Stood, Tents, Traveling, WithdrewDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 14:19 4140 angel of the Lord
5698 guardian
9412 heaven, worship and service Exodus 14:10-31 4819 dryness Exodus 14:15-22 1416 miracles, nature of Exodus 14:19-20 4805 clouds
4810 darkness, natural
5527 shield
7251 pillar of cloud and fire
8128 guidance, receiving Exodus 14:19-24 7908 baptism, significance Library A Path in the Sea
'And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20. And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 21. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureEntangled in the Land
"For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in."--Exodus 14:3. ISRAEL WAS CLEAN escaped from Egypt. Not a hoof of their cattle was left behind; nor foot of child or aged man remained in the house of bondage. But though they were gone, they were not forgotten by the tyrant who had enslaved them. They had been a very useful body of workers; for they had built treasure cities and storehouses for Pharaoh. Compelled to work without wages, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 Epistle Lxiii. To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks.
To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks. Gregory to Brunichild, &c. What good gifts have been conferred on you from above, and with what piety heavenly grace has filled you, this, among all the other proofs of your merits, intimates evidently to all that you both govern the savage hearts of barbarians with the skill of prudent counsel, and (what is still more to your praise), adorn your royal power with wisdom. And since, as you are above many nations in both these respects, so also you excel them in …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great They who have not Been Promoted to that Office. ...
They who have not been promoted [to that office] by the bishop, ought not to adjure, either in churches or in private houses. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XXVI. No one shall adjure without the bishop's promotion to that office. Balsamon. Some were in the habit of "adjuring," that is catechising the unbelievers, who had never received the imposition of the bishop's hands for that purpose; and when they were accused of doing so, contended that as they did not do it in church but only at home, they …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power The Faults Committed in this Degree --Distractions, Temptations --The Course to be Pursued Respecting Them.
As soon as we fall into a fault, or have wandered, we must turn again within ourselves; because this fault having turned us from God, we should as soon as possible turn towards Him, and suffer the penitence which He Himself will give. It is of great importance that we should not be anxious about these faults, because the anxiety only springs from a secret pride and a love of our own excellence. We are troubled at feeling what we are. If we become discouraged, we shall grow weaker yet; and reflection …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection.
6. and lastly, Let us consider the intrinsick absurdities, and incredibilities of the several stories of these three miracles, p. 36.--As to Jairus's daughter, and her resurrection from the dead, St. Hilary [13] hints, that there was no such person as Jairus;--and he gives this reason, and a good reason it is, why he thought so, because it is elsewhere intimated in the gospel that none of the rulers of the synagogues confessedly believ'd on Jesus, John vii. 48. and xii. 42. St. John's words in the …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 14:19 NIVExodus 14:19 NLTExodus 14:19 ESVExodus 14:19 NASBExodus 14:19 KJV
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