What is the cloud and pillar of fire that led Israel after the waters of Marah?
The cloud and pillar of fire that led Israel after the waters of Marah was the very presence of Jehovah. Moses again led them by this cloud and pillar, and Jehovah Himself was leading them on. He then brought them to an oasis, a place of rest and satisfaction for their thirst.
Les teaches that after the bitter waters of Marah were made sweet by the tree cast into them, Moses again led the people by virtue of the cloud and pillar of fire. This cloud and pillar was the very presence of Jehovah who was leading them on. Jehovah brought them to an oasis, which had 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees. Les notes he cannot fully explain the significance of those numbers, but it was an oasis, a place where they could have water to drink. Though seven million people could not rest under the shade of 70 trees, it epitomized a place of rest, relaxation, and the satisfaction of their thirst.
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
More Questions
Was the pillar of cloud and fire a natural volcanic phenomenon?
The conjecture by historians that a volcano produced the cloud by day (dust) and the fire by night (volcanic fire) is ridiculous; the cloud was a supernatural cloud.