And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
The angel of God - i:e., the pillar of cloud. The slow and silent movement of that majestic column through the air, and occupying a position behind them, must have excited the astonishment of the Israelites (Isaiah 58:8). It was an effectual barrier between them and their pursuers, not only protecting them, but concealing their movements. Thus, the same cloud produced light (a symbol of favour) to the people of God and darkness (a symbol of wrath) to their enemies (cf. Psalms 105:39; 1 Corinthians 10:2; 2 Corinthians 2:16).