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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 13:21 And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/13-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/02_Exo_13_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 13:21 - The Pillars of Cloud and Fire" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/13-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/13-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/13.htm">Chapter 13</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/13-20.htm" title="Exodus 13:20">◄</a> Exodus 13:21 <a href="/exodus/13-22.htm" title="Exodus 13:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/13.htm">New International Version</a> By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. <a href="/nlt/exodus/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> The LORD went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. <a href="/esv/exodus/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. <a href="/bsb/exodus/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. <a href="/kjv/exodus/13.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/exodus/13.htm">New King James Version</a> And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And the LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. <a href="/nasb/exodus/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. <a href="/lsb/exodus/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Yahweh was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to guide them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might go by day and by night. <a href="/amp/exodus/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The [presence of the] LORD was going before them by day in a pillar (column) of cloud to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they could travel by day and by night. <a href="/csb/exodus/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. <a href="/asv/exodus/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jehovah went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; that they might go by day and by night: <a href="/erv/exodus/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; that they might go by day and by night: <a href="/gwt/exodus/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> By day the LORD went ahead of them in a column of smoke to lead them on their way. By night he went ahead of them in a column of fire to give them light so that they could travel by day or by night. <a href="/gnt/exodus/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> During the day the LORD went in front of them in a pillar of cloud to show them the way, and during the night he went in front of them in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel night and day. <a href="/isv/exodus/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> The LORD went in front of them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so they could travel both day and night. <a href="/msb/exodus/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. <a href="/net/exodus/13.htm">NET Bible</a> Now the LORD was going before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them in the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel day or night. <a href="/nheb/exodus/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> God went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: <a href="/wbt/exodus/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them in the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light: to go by day and night. <a href="/web/exodus/13.htm">World English Bible</a> Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and YHWH is going before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them in the way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give light to them, to go by day and by night; <a href="/ylt/exodus/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Jehovah is going before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them in the way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give light to them, to go by day and by night; <a href="/slt/exodus/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jehovah went before them the day in a pillar of cloud, to direct them the way; and the night in a pillar of fire to give light to them; to go the day and the night.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Lord went before them to shew the way by day in a pillar of a cloud, and by night in a pillar of fire: that he might be the guide of their journey at both times. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now the Lord preceded them to show them the way, by day with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire, so that he might be the leader of their journey at both times. <a href="/nabre/exodus/13.htm">New American Bible</a> The LORD preceded them, in the daytime by means of a column of cloud to show them the way, and at night by means of a column of fire to give them light. Thus they could travel both day and night. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The LORD went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; so that they might travel by day and by night; <a href="/hpbt/exodus/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And LORD JEHOVAH went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to encamp them in the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give light to them to go by day and by night:<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; that they might go by day and by night: <a href="/sep/exodus/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And God led them, in the day by a pillar of cloud, to show them the way, and in the night by a pillar of fire. <a href="/parallel/exodus/13-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=3376" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/13.htm">The Pillars of Cloud and Fire</a> …20They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21<a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">And the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">went</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê·hem (Prep-l:: N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5982.htm" title="5982: bə·‘am·mūḏ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A pillar, column. Or ammud; from amad; a column; also a stand, i.e. Platform.">in a pillar</a> <a href="/hebrew/6051.htm" title="6051: ‘ā·nān (N-ms) -- A cloud mass, cloud. From anan; a cloud, i.e. The nimbus or thunder-cloud.">of cloud</a> <a href="/hebrew/5148.htm" title="5148: lan·ḥō·ṯām (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf:: 3mp) -- To lead, guide. A primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport.">to guide</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: had·de·reḵ (Art:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">their way</a> <a href="/hebrew/3119.htm" title="3119: yō·w·mām (Adv) -- Daytime, by day. From yowm; daily.">by day,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5982.htm" title="5982: bə·‘am·mūḏ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A pillar, column. Or ammud; from amad; a column; also a stand, i.e. Platform.">and in a pillar</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ’êš (N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">of fire</a> <a href="/hebrew/215.htm" title="215: lə·hā·’îr (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To be or become light. A primitive root; to be luminous.">to give them light</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: wə·lay·lāh (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">by night,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lā·le·ḵeṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">so that they could travel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3119.htm" title="3119: yō·w·mām (Adv) -- Daytime, by day. From yowm; daily.">by day</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: wā·lā·yə·lāh (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">or night.</a> 22Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">Numbers 9:15-23</a> On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. / It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire. / Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. ... <a href="/nehemiah/9-12.htm">Nehemiah 9:12</a> You led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they should travel. <a href="/nehemiah/9-19.htm">Nehemiah 9:19</a> You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go. <a href="/psalms/78-14.htm">Psalm 78:14</a> He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night. <a href="/psalms/105-39.htm">Psalm 105:39</a> He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night. <a href="/deuteronomy/1-33.htm">Deuteronomy 1:33</a> who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel. <a href="/exodus/40-36.htm">Exodus 40:36-38</a> Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. / If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. / For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys. <a href="/numbers/14-14.htm">Numbers 14:14</a> And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have already heard that You, O LORD, are in the midst of this people, that You, O LORD, have been seen face to face, that Your cloud stands over them, and that You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. <a href="/isaiah/4-5.htm">Isaiah 4:5</a> Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, <a href="/isaiah/63-12.htm">Isaiah 63:12-14</a> who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, / who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble? / Like cattle going down to the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make for Yourself a glorious name. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-1.htm">1 Corinthians 10:1-2</a> I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a> Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” <a href="/revelation/7-15.htm">Revelation 7:15-17</a> For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. / ‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’ / For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” <a href="/revelation/21-23.htm">Revelation 21:23</a> And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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:<a href="/exodus/14-19.htm">Exodus 14:19-24</a> 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: … <a href="/exodus/40-34.htm">Exodus 40:34-38</a> Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle… <a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">Numbers 9:15-23</a> And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/2-8.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/exodus/8-31.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/exodus/12-10.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/exodus/6-8.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/genesis/48-21.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/exodus/13-17.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/exodus/12-42.htm">Night</a> <a href="/genesis/35-20.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/genesis/45-17.htm">Travel</a> <a href="/exodus/13-18.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/17-5.htm">Ahead</a> <a href="/exodus/13-22.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/exodus/13-22.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/exodus/15-13.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/exodus/15-13.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/exodus/15-10.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/exodus/13-22.htm">Night</a> <a href="/exodus/13-22.htm">Pillar</a> <a href="/exodus/40-37.htm">Travel</a> <a href="/exodus/14-11.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 13</div>1. <a href="/exodus/13-1.htm">The firstborn are sanctified to God</a> 3. <a href="/exodus/13-3.htm">The memorial of the Passover is commanded</a> 11. <a href="/exodus/13-11.htm">The firstborn of man and beast are set apart</a> 17. <a href="/exodus/13-17.htm">The Israelites go out of Egypt, and carry Joseph's bones with them.</a> 20. <a href="/exodus/13-20.htm">They come to Etham</a> 21. <a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">God guides them by a pillar of a cloud, and a pillar of fire</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And the LORD went before them This phrase emphasizes God's direct involvement and leadership in the journey of the Israelites. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He actively guides and protects them. This divine guidance is a fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing His faithfulness. The presence of the LORD going before them also prefigures the role of Christ as the Good Shepherd who leads His flock (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>).in a pillar of cloud The pillar of cloud served as a visible manifestation of God's presence, providing assurance and direction. In the ancient Near Eastern context, clouds were often associated with divine presence and majesty. This cloud not only guided the Israelites but also provided shade and protection from the harsh desert sun. The cloud is reminiscent of the Shekinah glory that later filled the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people.to guide their way by day This guidance by day ensured that the Israelites could travel safely and efficiently through the wilderness. The phrase highlights God's provision and care, ensuring that His people did not wander aimlessly. It also underscores the importance of divine guidance in the believer's life, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>, where trusting in the Lord leads to a straight path.and in a pillar of fire The pillar of fire provided light and warmth during the cold desert nights, symbolizing God's protection and presence. Fire is often associated with God's holiness and power, as seen in the burning bush (<a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a>) and the consuming fire on Mount Sinai (<a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Exodus 19:18</a>). This fire prefigures the Holy Spirit, who illuminates and guides believers (<a href="/acts/2-3.htm">Acts 2:3</a>).to give them light by night The light by night ensured that the Israelites could continue their journey without fear of darkness or danger. This divine illumination is a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and guidance, as seen in <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>, where God's word is described as a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. It also foreshadows Christ as the Light of the World (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>).so that they could travel by day or night This phrase indicates the continuous and unceasing nature of God's guidance and provision. The ability to travel by day or night reflects God's sovereignty and control over all circumstances, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. It also symbolizes the believer's journey through life, where God's presence enables them to navigate both the bright and dark times with confidence and trust.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who actively guides and protects His people. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, recently delivered from slavery in Egypt, now journeying towards the Promised Land. 3. <a href="/topical/p/pillar_of_cloud_and_fire.htm">Pillar of Cloud and Fire</a> Manifestations of God's presence, providing guidance and protection for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness_journey.htm">The Wilderness Journey</a> The period of travel through the desert, where the Israelites rely on God's guidance and provision. 5. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land from which the Israelites were delivered, representing bondage and oppression.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_and_guidance.htm">God's Presence and Guidance</a> God is actively involved in the lives of His people, providing guidance and direction. Just as He led the Israelites, He leads us today through His Word and Spirit. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_divine_leadership.htm">Trust in Divine Leadership</a> The Israelites had to trust God's guidance, even when the path was uncertain. We are called to trust in God's plan and timing, even when we cannot see the full picture. <a href="/topical/l/light_in_darkness.htm">Light in Darkness</a> The pillar of fire provided light in the darkness, symbolizing God's ability to illuminate our path and dispel fear. Jesus, as the light of the world, offers us clarity and hope. <a href="/topical/c/continuous_dependence_on_god.htm">Continuous Dependence on God</a> The Israelites' journey required daily reliance on God's provision and guidance. Similarly, we must cultivate a daily dependence on God for our spiritual journey. <a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness.htm">God's Faithfulness</a> The consistent presence of the pillar of cloud and fire is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. We can trust that God will never leave us nor forsake us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 13</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_shekinah_glory.htm">What is the Shekinah Glory?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_a_glory_cloud.htm">What is a Glory Cloud?</a> <a href="/q/what_shows_god's_presence_in_us.htm">What signifies God's presence in our lives?</a> <a href="/q/did_god's_'lamp'_tangibly_guide_job.htm">Is there any evidence that God’s “lamp” or presence (Job 29:2–3) tangibly guided him, considering modern scientific understanding? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) The Lord went before them.--In <a href="/context/exodus/13-17.htm" title="And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:">Exodus 13:17-18</a>, the writer has declared that "God led the people;" he now explains how. from Succoth certainly, probably from Rameses, He moved in front of the host in the form of a pillar, which had the appearance of smoke by day and of fire by night. The Israelites marched, it is implied, some part of each day and some part of each night, which would be in accordance with modern practice, and is an arrangement introduced to get the march accomplished before the sun attains his full power. The pillar was at once a signal and a guide. When it moved, the people moved; when it stopped, they encamped (<a href="/context/exodus/40-36.htm" title="And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:">Exodus 40:36-38</a>); where it went, they followed. It bore some resemblance to the fire and smoke signals which generals used when at the head of their armies (Lepsius, Denkmaler, vol. ii., pl. 150, 2; Papyr. Anastas, 1; Q. Curt, Vit. Alex. v. 2, &c), and indicated that God had constituted Himself the generalissimo of the host; but it was altogether of a miraculous and abnormal character.To go by day and night.--The night journeys of the people are mentioned again in <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm" title="And so it was, when the cloud stayed from even to the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.">Numbers 9:21</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 21, 22. - THE PILLAR OF THE CLOUD AND OF FIRE. Having stated, in verse 17, that "God led the Israelites," and determined their route for them, the writer here proceeds to explain how this leading was accomplished. With extreme simplicity and directness he states, that the conduct was effected by means of an appearance, which in the daytime was like a column or pillar of smoke ascending from earth to heaven, and in the night was like a pillar of fire. He considers the presence of God to have been in the pillar, which moved in front of the host, and showed them the way that they were to go. When it halted, they halted when it advanced, they advanced. Their journeys being made as much in the night-time as in the day, on account of the intense heat, the pillar took in the night the appearance of a column of fire, so as to be equally visible as by day. All attempts to give a rational explanation of the phenomenon are misplaced, since the writer, from whom alone we derive our information on the subject, clearly regarded it as miraculous; and both here and elsewhere (<a href="/exodus/14-19.htm">Exodus 14:19, 20, 24</a>; <a href="/exodus/33-9.htm">Exodus 33:9</a>; <a href="/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5</a>; <a href="/numbers/14-11.htm">Numbers 14:11</a>) speaks of it as a form under which God was pleased to show himself. There is little doubt that fire and smoke signals were already used by commanders of armies for much the same purpose as that which God now accomplished in this way. The Egyptian documents of the period contain indications of the usage; and it is found among the Arabians, the Greeks, and the Persians. (See especially Q. Curt. Vit. Alex. 5:2; "Perticam, quae undique conspici posset, supra praetorium statuit, ex qua signum eminebat pariter omnibus conspicuum: observabatur ignis noctu, fiunus interdin.") The miracle was thus, in a certain sense, founded upon an existing custom, with the difference that God here gave the signals miraculously, which were wont to be given in a natural way by the human leaders of armies. He thus constituted himself the general of the host. Verse 21. - The Lord went before them. From Succoth at any rate; perhaps even on the journey from Rameses to Succoth. In a pillar of cloud. The pillar was seen - the presence of Jehovah, though unseen, was believed to be in it, and to move it. To go by day and night. Or, "so that they might march both by day and by night." Night marches are generally preferred by Orientals on account of the great heat of the days. The night-marches of the Israelites are again mentioned in <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Numbers 9:21</a>. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/13-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And the LORD וַֽיהוָ֡ה (Yah·weh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel went הֹלֵךְ֩ (hō·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk before them לִפְנֵיהֶ֨ם (lip̄·nê·hem) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face in a pillar בְּעַמּ֤וּד (bə·‘am·mūḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5982.htm">Strong's 5982: </a> A column, a stand, platform of cloud עָנָן֙ (‘ā·nān) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6051.htm">Strong's 6051: </a> A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud to guide לַנְחֹתָ֣ם (lan·ḥō·ṯām) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5148.htm">Strong's 5148: </a> To guide, to transport their way הַדֶּ֔רֶךְ (had·de·reḵ) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action by day, יוֹמָ֜ם (yō·w·mām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3119.htm">Strong's 3119: </a> Daytime, by day and in a pillar בְּעַמּ֥וּד (bə·‘am·mūḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5982.htm">Strong's 5982: </a> A column, a stand, platform of fire אֵ֖שׁ (’êš) Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> A fire to give them light לְהָאִ֣יר (lə·hā·’îr) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_215.htm">Strong's 215: </a> To be or become light at night, וְלַ֛יְלָה (wə·lay·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> A twist, night, adversity so that they could travel לָלֶ֖כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk by day יוֹמָ֥ם (yō·w·mām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3119.htm">Strong's 3119: </a> Daytime, by day or night. וָלָֽיְלָה׃ (wā·lā·yə·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> A twist, night, adversity <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">OT Law: Exodus 13:21 Yahweh went before them by day (Exo. 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