The wilderness wasn’t Israel’s destination. Their stay in the wilderness served as an interval between their redemption from Egypt and the possession of the Promised Land. Israel was a pilgrim nation in the wilderness, on their way to their promised destination. For this purpose the Tabernacle and their encampment were not stationary.

In Numbers 9-10 we see how God guided Israel from place to place. God used the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire as a means for direction. The pillar of cloud hovered over the Tabernacle during the day (Num. 9:15). The pillar of fire hovered over the Tabernacle during the evening, providing light (Num. 9:16). And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped (Num. 9:17). Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out (Num. 9:22). To know whether to stay or move, it was imperative that the people kept a close watch on the pillar.

Next, Moses was to make two silver trumpets. The trumpets were to be blown to quickly give Israel orders. The sound of the trumpets gave distinct sounds, and each sound had specific instructions. So not only did Israel need to keep their eyes open to know if the pillar of cloud moved, they also needed to keep their ears attuned to the possible sound of the trumpets.

Oh, beloved do you see the significance? No longer do we have a pillar of cloud or fire to guide us in the right direction. We now have the Word of God to give us directions (Ps. 119:105); the Holy Spirit to lead us (Rom. 8:26-27); and Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, to guide us in the darkness (Jn. 3:18-21; 8:12; 1 Jn. 1:4-10). Furthermore, Christians are pilgrims wandering this world, awaiting our promised destination. One of these days the Lord will the blow the trumpet, and we shall be gathered unto Him (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-57).