God Is Sovereign, Even Over Rebellion - Numbers 9-12

Numbers 9:15-19 (ESV)

On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning. So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night. And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped. At the command of the LORD the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the LORD they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the LORD and did not set out.

The book of Numbers shares with us 42 different locations that nation of Israel camped during their 40 years of wilderness wanderings.   We can see from the above passage how they knew when to move.   God would cover the Tabernacle by day with a cloud (keeping the nation cool during the wilderness daily heat) and with a pillar of fire at night (keeping the nation warm during the wilderness evening cold).  God moved them by moving the cloud or the fire.   Sometimes they moved within days.  Other times within weeks and/or months.  We are not told how long they were in one place over the other.  The nation was subservient to the will of God in their movement.  Remember, the only reason they were in the wilderness for 40 years was out of rebellion, caused by the lack of faith.  The wilderness wanderings would not correct their rebellious spirit.   But even in rebellion they were susceptible to God will and order.   Rebellious people are still contained by God’s design.   Those who run from God think they are the captains of their own souls.   This is as much as an error as their rebellion.   God is directing those who rebel as much as those who don’t.  Think about Jonah.   God directed each of his steps.   God directed the nation using an unusual method.  Today He directs us through His Word, His Spirit, His people, His leadership in our lives and the circumstances He weaves into our lives.   God directs us ... no matter our spiritual condition.  God is in control, even in rebellion.