What was the cloud and pillar of fire that led Israel?
The cloud and pillar of fire that led Israel were the very presence of Jehovah, who was leading them on. Moses led the people by virtue of this cloud and pillar, which was the presence of God guiding them after the bitter waters were made sweet.
Les explains that after the bitter waters were made sweet, Moses again led the people by the cloud and the pillar of fire, which was the very presence of Jehovah leading them. This cloud and pillar guided them to an oasis, a place of rest and satisfaction of thirst, where there were 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees. Les notes that while 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.