What led Israel during their 40 years in the wilderness?
During Israel's forty years of wilderness journeys in Sinai, the cloud and the pillar of fire served as their leading force. That visible presence guided the children of Israel after they came out of Egypt, remaining evident throughout the entire period until they approached the Jordan River.
Les explains that when Israel came out of Egypt, the first thing that appeared to lead the children of Israel was the cloud or the pillar of fire. Throughout the whole forty years of their wilderness journeys in Sinai, that cloud and pillar of fire had been evident. It was their leading force. But when they come to the Jordan River, something changes: it is no longer the cloud that leads them into the river, but now the Ark of the Covenant carried by the priests. This marks a transition in how God directs the nation as they prepare to enter the land.