Deuteronomy 1:33
Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.
Original Language Analysis
תֵּֽלְכוּ
Who went
H1980
תֵּֽלְכוּ
Who went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לִפְנֵיכֶ֜ם
before
H6440
לִפְנֵיכֶ֜ם
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
in the way
H1870
בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 16
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לָת֥וּר
you to search you out
H8446
לָת֥וּר
you to search you out
Strong's:
H8446
Word #:
4 of 16
to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
מָק֖וֹם
a place
H4725
מָק֖וֹם
a place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
לַחֲנֹֽתְכֶ֑ם
to pitch your tents
H2583
לַחֲנֹֽתְכֶ֑ם
to pitch your tents
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
לַ֗יְלָה
by night
H3915
לַ֗יְלָה
by night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
לַרְאֹֽתְכֶם֙
to shew
H7200
לַרְאֹֽתְכֶם֙
to shew
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
10 of 16
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
in the way
H1870
בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
11 of 16
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תֵּֽלְכוּ
Who went
H1980
תֵּֽלְכוּ
Who went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
13 of 16
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Numbers 10:33And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.Psalms 78:14In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.Nehemiah 9:12Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.Psalms 105:39He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.Zechariah 2:5For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.Ezekiel 20:6In the day that I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands:Numbers 14:14And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.
Historical Context
References the miraculous pillar of cloud and fire that guided Israel from the Exodus through wilderness wanderings (Exodus 13:21-22, 40:34-38). The cloud provided shade from desert heat by day; the fire gave light and warmth by night. This tangible manifestation of God's presence also protected Israel from Egyptian pursuit at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:19-20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's personal guidance of Israel through the wilderness encourage you in uncertain seasons?
- In what ways does Christ fulfill this role as our forerunner and guide into God's promised rest?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God 'went in the way before you' as both pathfinder and protector—'in fire by night, and in a cloud by day.' The pillar imagery signifies the Shekinah glory, God's manifest presence guiding His covenant people. This theophanic appearance demonstrates divine immanence—God doesn't merely give directions but personally accompanies His people. The Reformed doctrine of divine providence is beautifully illustrated: God sovereignly orchestrates every step, searching out resting places and removing obstacles. This prefigures Christ as our forerunner (Hebrews 6:20).