Exodus 40:36

“And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, etc.] By the Lord himself, or it removed by his order, that is, rose up and stood above the tabernacle, and appeared in the form of a pillar, and went before it: the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys; the motion of the cloud was a direction to set forward and continue their journey as long as it lasted; but when it rested and abode upon the tabernacle, then they stopped and rested also, as is suggested in the following verse (<024037>Exodus 40:37), (see <040917>Numbers 9:17-23) thus the saints are to be followers of God as dear children, and to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes or directs, and walk after the…”

“when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle--In journeying through the sandy, trackless deserts of the East, the use of torches, exhibiting a cloud of smoke by day and of fire by night, has been resorted to from time immemorial. The armies of Darius and Alexander were conducted on their marches in this manner [FABER]. The Arab caravans in the present day observe the same custom; and materials for these torches are stored up among other necessary preparations for a journey. Live fuel, hoisted in chafing dishes at the end of long poles, and being seen at a great distance, serves, by the smoke in the daytime and the light at night, as a better signal for march than the sound of a…”

“when: Exo 13:21, Exo 13:22; Num 10:11-13, Num 10:33-36, Num 19:17-22; Neh 9:19; Psa 78:14, Psa 105:39; Co1 10:1; Co2 5:19, Co2 5:20 went onward: Heb. journeyed Exodus 40:37”