From Sinai to Kadesh
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as indicated by the trumpets. Whoever neglected to comply with the
directions given was punished with death.
God is a God of order. Everything connected with heaven is in
perfect order; subjection and thorough discipline mark the movements
of the angelic host. Success can only attend order and harmonious
action. God requires order and system in His work now no less than
in the days of Israel. All who are working for Him are to labor
intelligently, not in a careless, haphazard manner. He would have his
work done with faith and exactness, that He may place the seal of His
approval upon it.
God Himself directed the Israelites in all 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. A solemn invocation marked both the halt and
the departure. “It came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses
said, Rise up, Lord, and let Thine enemies be scattered; and let them
that hate Thee flee before Thee. And when it rested, he said, Return,
O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel.”
Numbers 10:35, 36
.
A distance of only eleven days’ journey lay between Sinai and
Kadesh, on the borders of Canaan; and it was with the prospect of
speedily entering the goodly land that the hosts of Israel resumed their
march when the cloud at last gave the signal for an onward movement.
Jehovah had wrought wonders in bringing them from Egypt, and what
blessings might they not expect now that they had formally covenanted
to accept Him as their Sovereign, and had been acknowledged as the
chosen people of the Most High?
Yet it was almost with reluctance that many left the place where
they had so long encamped. They had come almost to regard it as their
home. Within the shelter of those granite walls God had gathered His
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people, apart from all other nations, to repeat to them His holy law.
They loved to look upon the sacred mount, on whose hoary peaks and
barren ridges the divine glory had so often been displayed. 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, the entire camp set for-
ward, the tabernacle borne in the midst, and each tribe in its appointed
position, under its own standard. All eyes were turned anxiously to