Who was the cloud that led Israel in the wilderness?
The cloud was a supernatural manifestation of the very presence of Jehovah. Scripture identifies it as Christ—God the Son in His Old Testament personality. It was not volcanic dust; it gave Israel shade by day, became a pillar of fire by night, and later rested over the Holy of Holies, guiding their movements.
Les explains that the historian's conjecture about a volcano and dust providing the cloud and fire is ridiculous. This was a supernatural cloud, the very presence of Jehovah: a cloud by day that gave shade from the Mideast sun, and then a pillar of fire by night that gave light for their activities. Scripture makes it plain who that cloud was: it was Christ, it was Jehovah, it was God the Son in His Old Testament personality. Later, when the tabernacle was completed, the cloud set right over the Holy of Holies and became the guiding light of Israel. When it was time to move, the cloud lifted and moved; when it stopped, they set the tabernacle so the Holy of Holies was under the cloud. The cloud was not an accident; it was the absolute presence of God. Les also marvels that the Jews could see that cloud every day and fire at night yet still be disobedient and prone to sin, then applies it to us, saying we are no different and have just as much evidence of the power of God.