At the Lord's Command

At the Lord’s command.  The Israelites struggled with faith in various aspects of their journey from Egypt to Canaan.  However, one area where they did display faith by obedience was when to set out on a journey and when to stay put.  God provided a cloud to guide this aspect of their journey.  If they cloud remained over the tabernacle, they remained.  If the cloud was lifted up above the tabernacle, they would set out (Numbers 9:17).  This was a cloud by day and a fire by night.  This was part of God’s plan to teach patience to the Israelites, they must wait upon the Lord!  We read, “Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle.  But when it was lifted, they set out (v.20).  Waiting can sometimes be the most challenging part of our faith.   We sometimes want to move.  We want to see what’s ahead.  We want action.  However, waiting upon the Lord is crucial to our faith, for without His presence, we will surely fall.  The Israelites camped at the Lord’s command and they set out at the Lord’s command (v.23).