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Numbers 9:23

The Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 9:23

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

GOD'S CEASELESS PROVIDENCE A MOTIVE TO PROMPT OBEDIENCE

God's presence with Israel was perpetual (; ). The sign of it in the cloud was given as soon, and was continued as long, as it was needed (, ; ). God's active, providential presence was—

I. A SOURCE OF SAFETY;

II. A GROUND OF FAITH; and therefore,

III. A MOTIVE TO OBEDIENCE.

I. The cloud

II. God showed himself in the cloud for the very purpose of guiding. He took the responsibility out of the hands of the people and Moses that they might have the privilege of trusting (; ). Such a guiding presence we may enjoy by the aid of God's written counsels, providential acts, and inward monitions (, , , ). See how these three are combined in the narrative ().

III., is very emphatic. They obeyed even if at times the journey was very arduous (), or the halt very tedious (), or the start was sudden, as when a midnight alarm of the trumpets was a sign that the cloud had begun to move (). Hence we learn

HOMILIES BY D. YOUNG

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commentaryMatthew Henry on Numbers 9:15-23This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, so long they con…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pillar of Cloud and Fire. (b. c. 1490.)THE PILLAR OF CLOUD AND FIRE. (B. C. 1490.) We have here the history of the cloud; not a natural history: who knows the balancings of the clouds? but a divine history of a cloud that was appointed to be the visible sign…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 9:15-23EXPOSITION THE SIGNALS OF GOD (Numbers 9:15-23).Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 9:15-23DIVINE GUIDANCE In this section we have, spiritually, the Divine guidance of the faithful through the wilderness of this life. Consider, therefore— I. THAT THE THEOPHANY, OR DIVINE APPEARANCE UPON THE TABERNACLE, WAS AS…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 9:15-23THE GUIDING PILLAR OF CLOUD AND FLAME This pillar served more purposes than one; but without doubt the purpose noted here by Moses himself was that principally intended. It was the signal by which the Lord guided the ma…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Numbers 9:15-23THE CLOUD UPON THE TABERNACLE There is a fuller account of the rearing of the tabernacle and the descent of the cloud upon it in Exodus 40:1-38. Note— I. THE CONNECTION OF THIS CLOUD WITH PAST EXPERIENCES. It is spoken…Joseph S. Exell and contributors