Bible Dictionary
Cloud, Pillar Of
The pillar of cloud was the visible sign of God’s presence and guidance with Israel in the wilderness. By day it went before the camp, while by night it appeared as a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21–22).
Definition
The pillar of cloud was the visible manifestation of God’s presence accompanying Israel in the wilderness. When the host moved, the cloud became a pillar and went before the people; at other times it rested upon the tabernacle.
Biblical Usage
The pillar guided Israel and was associated with the ark that led the way. By night it appeared as a pillar of fire, while the cloud marked God’s presence and his coming down to the tabernacle.
Historical Background
The pillar is described in connection with Israel’s wilderness journeys, the tabernacle, and the ark. Its movements determined when the camp traveled and when it remained encamped.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night that God caused to pass before the camp of the children of Israel when in the wilderness. The cloud, which became a pillar when the host moved, seems to have rested at other times on the tabernacle, whence god is said to have “come down in the pillar.” (Numbers 12:5; Exodus 33:9,10) It preceded the host, apparently resting on the ark which led the way. (Exodus 13:21; 40:36) etc.; Numb 9:15-23; 10:34
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>See CLOUD, II, 2; PILLAR OF CLOUD.</p>