Exodus 14:19 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,

◄ Exodus 14:19 ►

New International Version
Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them,

New Living Translation
Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them.

English Standard Version
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,

Berean Standard Bible
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,

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them.

New American Standard Bible
Then the angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them.

NASB 1995
The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them.

NASB 1977
And the angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them.

Amplified Bible
The angel of God, who had been going in front of the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them. The pillar of the cloud moved from in front and stood behind them.

Christian Standard Bible
Then the angel of God, who was going in front of the Israelite forces, moved and went behind them. The pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and stood behind them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the Angel of God, who was going in front of the Israelite forces, moved and went behind them. The pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and stood behind them.

American Standard Version
And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud removed from before them, and stood behind them:

Contemporary English Version
All this time God's angel had gone ahead of Israel's army, but now he moved behind them. A large cloud had also gone ahead of them,

English Revised Version
And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud removed from before them, and stood behind them:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Messenger of God, who had been in front of the Israelites, moved behind them. So the column of smoke moved from in front of the Israelites and stood behind them

Good News Translation
The angel of God, who had been in front of the army of Israel, moved and went to the rear. The pillar of cloud also moved until it was

International Standard Version
Then the angel of God, who was going in front of the camp of Israel, moved behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front of them and stood behind them,

Majority Standard Bible
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,

NET Bible
The angel of God, who was going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them.

New Heart English Bible
The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the angel of God, who 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:

World English Bible
The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the Messenger of God, who is going before the camp of Israel, journeys and goes at their rear; and the pillar of the cloud journeys from their front, and stands at their rear,

Young's Literal Translation
And the messenger of God, who is going before the camp of Israel, journeyeth and goeth at their rear; and the pillar of the cloud journeyeth from their front, and standeth at their rear,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the messenger of God going before the camp of Israel will remove, and will go from behind them; and the pillar of the cloud will remove from before them, and will stand from behind them,

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, removing, went behind them: and together with him the pillar of the cloud, leaving the forepart,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Angel of God, who preceded the camp of Israel, lifting himself up, went behind them. And the pillar of cloud, together with him, left the front for the rear

New American Bible
The angel of God, who had been leading Israel’s army, now moved and went around behind them. And the column of cloud, moving from in front of them, took up its place behind them,

New Revised Standard Version
The angel of God who was going before the Israelite army moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and took its place behind them.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of he cloud moved from before them and stood behind them:

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Angel of LORD JEHOVAH moved who went before the camp of Israel and he went on from behind them and moved the pillar of cloud from before them and stood behind them:

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud removed from before them, and stood behind them;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the angel of God that went before the camp of the children of Israel removed and went behind, and the pillar of the cloud also removed from before them and stood behind them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Parting the Red Sea
…18The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I am honored through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” 19And 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, 20so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Numbers 20:16
and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory.

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

Joshua 5:13-15
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” / “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” / The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Psalm 91:11
For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Daniel 6:22
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”

Acts 12:7-11
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. / “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” / So Peter followed him out, but he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought he was only seeing a vision. ...

Matthew 28:2-4
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. / His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. / The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.

Luke 22:43
Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.

Hebrews 1:14
Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Genesis 32:1-2
Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. / When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim.

2 Chronicles 32:21
and the LORD sent an angel who annihilated every mighty man of valor and every leader and commander in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons struck him down with the sword.

Zechariah 12:8
On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem, so that the weakest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them.

Acts 7:30-35
After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. / When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight. As he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came to him: / ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. ...

Treasury of Scripture

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:

the angel

Exodus 14:24
And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

Exodus 13:21
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Exodus 23:20,21
Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared…

and the pillar

Exodus 13:21,22
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: …

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Exodus 14

1. God instructs the Israelites in their journey
5. Pharaoh pursues after them
10. The Israelites murmur
13. Moses comforts them
15. God instructs Moses
19. The cloud removes behind the camp
21. The Israelites pass through the Red sea, which drowns the Egyptians

Berean Study Bible

Then the Angel of God
The 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.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(19, 20) The angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel--The "Jehovah" of Exodus 13:21 becomes here "the angel of God," as "the angel of Jehovah" in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) becomes "God" (Exodus 14:4), and "Jehovah" (Exodus 14:7). The angel is distinguished from the cloud, and represented as antedating its movements and directing them. It is clear that the object of the movement now made was double: (1) to check and trouble the Egyptians by involving them in "cloud and darkness;" and (2) to cheer and assist the Israelites by affording them abundant light for all their necessary arrangements. Although there is nothing in the original corresponding to our translators' expressions, "to them," "to these," yet those expressions seem to do no more than to bring out the true sense. (Comp, the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, the Syriac Version, and the Commentaries of Rosenmller, Maurer, Knobel, and Kaliseh.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 19-22. - THE PASSAGE OF THE RED SEA. The Egyptians had arrived in the near neighbourhood of the Israelite camp, at the close of a long day's march, towards evening. Having ascertained that the fugitives were still, as they had expected them to be, shut in between the sea and the wilderness, they were content, and made no immediate attack, but encamped over against them. Hereupon, "the pillar of the cloud," which was at the time in front of the Israelite camp - probably near the point where God intended the passage of the sea to be effected "removed" from this position, and placed itself directly behind the Israelite encampment, between them and the Egyptians. This movement alone was calculated to alarm the latter, and prevent them from stirring till near daybreak; but, the better to secure their inaction, the pillar was made to overshadow them with a deep and preternatural darkness, so that it became almost impossible for them to advance. Meanwhile, on the side which was turned towards the Israelites, the pillar presented the appearance of a bright flame, lighting up the whole encampment, and rendering it as easy to make ready for the march as it would have been by day. Thus, the beasts were collected and laden the columns marshalled and prepared to proceed in a certain fixed order - and everything made ready for starting so soon as the bed of the sea should be sufficiently dry. Moses, about nightfall, descending to the water's edge, stretched forth his rod over the waves, and, an east wind at once springing up - accompanied perhaps by a strong ebb of the tide - the waters of the gulf were parted in the vicinity of the modern Suez, and a dry space left between the Bitter Lakes, which were then a prolongation of the Gulf, and the present sea-bed. The space may have been one of considerable width. The Israelites entering upon it, perhaps about midnight, accomplished the distance, which may not have exceeded a mile, with all their belongings, in the course of five or six hours, the pillar of the cloud withdrawing itself, as the last Israelites entered the sea-bed, and retiring after them like a rearguard. Thus protected, they made the transit in safety, and morning saw them encamped upon the shores of Asia. Verse 19. - The angel of God. The Divine Presence, which manifested itself in the pillar of the cloud, is called indifferently "the Lord" (Exodus 13:21; Exodus 14:24), and "the Angel of God" - just as the appearance to Moses in the burning bush is termed both "God" and "the angel of the Lord" (Exodus 3:2). Which went before - i.e.., "which ordinarily, and (so to speak) habitually preceded the camp" (Exodus 13:21; Psalm 78:14). And stood behind them. Took up a fixed station for the night, or the greater portion of it.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then the Angel
מַלְאַ֣ךְ (mal·’aḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel

of God,
הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

who had gone
הַהֹלֵךְ֙ (ha·hō·lêḵ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

before
לִפְנֵי֙ (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the camp
מַחֲנֵ֣ה (ma·ḥă·nêh)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

withdrew
וַיִּסַּ֞ע (way·yis·sa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

and went
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

behind them.
מֵאַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם (mê·’a·ḥă·rê·hem)
Preposition-m | third person masculine plural
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

The pillar
עַמּ֤וּד (‘am·mūḏ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5982: A column, a stand, platform

of cloud
הֶֽעָנָן֙ (he·‘ā·nān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

also moved
וַיִּסַּ֞ע (way·yis·sa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

from before them
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֔ם (mip·pə·nê·hem)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face

and stood
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֖ד (way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

behind them,
מֵאַחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃ (mê·’a·ḥă·rê·hem)
Preposition-m | third person masculine plural
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

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OT Law: Exodus 14:19 The angel of God who went before (Exo. Ex)