Definition: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, [from] before the people.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Exodus 13:22. It’s a really important and fascinating story about God’s plan for Israel in the wilderness. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God setting up a special, visible sign to show his presence and protect his people during their long journey through the desert. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “He took not away…” – This means God actively removed something. It wasn’t just a temporary thing; he made it permanent. “…the pillar of the cloud…” - The "pillar of the cloud" was a very important, shimmering, white-colored cloud that covered the heavens. It represented God's presence and protection. Think of it like a veil or a spotlight. “…nor the pillar of fire…” – This is the opposite of the cloud. The "pillar of fire" was a bright, glowing pillar that burned with heat and light. It symbolized God’s power and glory. “[from] before the people.” - This is the crucial part. It means God began setting these pillars up before the Israelites arrived in the wilderness. So, what does it all mean? God was showing his presence to Israel before they even started their journey. It’s a powerful image of: Divine Protection: He wasn't just protecting them from danger – he was actively safeguarding them. His Sovereignty: He was in control of everything, and he was establishing his power before they even left the familiar land. A Promise of Guidance: It’s a sign that God would guide and protect them throughout their difficult time. In short, it's a beautiful illustration of God's unwavering commitment to his people. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, we could delve into: The symbolism behind the cloud and fire – what does it represent? Its significance in the story of the Exodus?