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From Eternity Past
people by the trumpets. It was the duty of the leaders of each company
to give definite directions concerning all the movements to be made,
as indicated by the trumpets.
God is a God of order. Everything connected with heaven is in
perfect order; thorough discipline marks the movements of the angelic
host. Success can attend order and harmonious action now no less
than in the days of Israel.
God Himself directed the Israelites in their travels. The place of
their encampment was indicated by the descent of the pillar of cloud;
and so long as they were to remain in camp, the cloud rested over the
tabernacle. When they were to continue their journey, it was lifted
high above the sacred tent.
Only eleven days’ journey lay between Sinai and Kadesh, on the
borders of Canaan. With the prospect of speedily entering the land,
the hosts of Israel resumed their march when the cloud gave the signal.
What blessings might they not expect, now that they had formally been
acknowledged as the chosen people of the Most High?
With reluctance many left the place where they had encamped.
The scene was so closely associated with the presence of God and
holy angels that it seemed too sacred to be left thoughtlessly, or even
gladly. At the signal from the trumpeters, however, all eyes were
turned anxiously to see in what direction the cloud would lead. As it
moved toward the east, where were only mountain masses huddled
together, black and desolate, a feeling of sadness and doubt arose in
many hearts.
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As they advanced, the way became more difficult. Their route
lay through stony ravine and barren waste, “a land of deserts and of
pits,” “a land of drought and of the shadow of death,” “a land that no
man passed through, and where no man dwelt.”
Jeremiah 2:6
. Their
progress was slow and toilsome, and the multitudes were not prepared
to endure the perils and discomforts of the way.
The People Demand a Meat Diet
After three days’ journey open complaints were heard. These
originated with the mixed multitude, many of whom were continu-
ally finding fault with the way in which Moses was leading them,