Exodus 13:21-22 “a pillar of cloud” This refers to the brilliant cloud (“pillar,” BDB 765) representing YHWH’s personal presence (theophany) that led and protected the Hebrew slaves as they left Egypt and wandered in the wilderness (cf. Exod. 13:21-22; 14:19,24; 33:9,10; Deut. 1:33; Neh. 9:12,19; Ps. 78:14; 105:39). This cloud/pillar disappeared after the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land (as did the manna, Josh. 5:12).
This was called the “Shekinah Cloud of Glory” by the rabbis (cf. Exod. 13:21-22; 14:19,24; 33:9-10; Ps. 78:14; 99:7). It accomplished several things for the Israelites.
- symbol of YHWH’s personal presence (shekinah means “to dwell with,” BDB 1014)
- it separated Israel from Pharaoh’s elite troops (cf. Exod. 14:19-20)
- it led Israel (cf. Exod. 13:21-22; Num. 9:17-23)
- it covered them and protected them from the sun (cf. Ps. 105:39)
- it lit up the camp by night, even allowed Israel to travel at night (i.e., “pillar of fire,” cf. Exod. 13:21; Neh. 9:12,19)
- it caused the nations to fear Israel (cf. Exod. 23:27; Deut. 2:25; 11:25; Josh. 2:9)
- it appears to Moses at a special small tent outside the camp (i.e., showed his intimate relationship with YHWH and identified him as Israel’s chosen leader (cf. Exod. 33:7-11)
- it finally disappeared when Israel crossed the Jordan, but reappeared at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8)
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