The passage for today continues the discussion of the consecration of the firstborn, and extends the concept to cattle and other animals as well. This will further serve as a reminder of the delivering power of God. He then went further and told them to preserve the story through frontlets and a sign on your hands. This meant they were to wear a commemoration of this event as well. Why was this important? Because God had miraculously brought Israel out of bondage. We should always remember the day we got saved, forgiven, delivered from the power of darkness.
The other idea put forth in this passage relates to the path on which God chose to send the Israelites. Instead of taking them through Philistine territory, he took them by way of the Red Sea, to avoid immediate war. They took the bones of Joseph, as he had requested them. Joseph always knew that God would deliver them, and now his bones got to go on the great journey with them. But the greatest understanding of where they would go came from the fact that God decided to give them a physical sign of His leading. I believe the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night signified the presence of the Holy Spirit. God provides Christians today with the leadership of the Holy Spirit to guide us through life and difficulties. I believe, in the same way, God provided the leadership, guidance, and help of the Holy Spirit to the Israelites to guide them on their way to the promised land. Look for the cloud! Look the the fire! The confusion is over, the path is set. God is in control!!
Devoted To You 