Matthew Henry Commentary Numbers 9:15-23

"And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the tent of the testimony: and at even it was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until morning. So it was alway: the cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night. And whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel encamped. At the commandment of Jehovah the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of Jehovah they encamped: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they remained encamped. And when the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of Jehovah, and journeyed not. And sometimes the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; then according to the commandment of Jehovah they remained encamped, and according to the commandment of Jehovah they journeyed. And sometimes the cloud was from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they journeyed: or [if it continued] by day and by night, when the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. Whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, abiding thereon, the children of Israel remained encamped, and journeyed not; but when it was taken up, they journeyed. At the commandment of Jehovah they encamped, and at the commandment of Jehovah they journeyed: they kept the charge of Jehovah, at the commandment of Jehovah by Moses." — Numbers 9:15-23 (ASV)

This cloud was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. Thus we are taught to see God always near us, both night and day. As long as the cloud rested on the tabernacle, they continued in the same place. There is no time lost while we are waiting for God's time.

When the cloud was taken up, they moved, however comfortably they were encamped. We are kept in uncertainty concerning the time of our putting off the earthly house of this tabernacle, so that we may be always ready to move at the command of the Lord. It is very safe and pleasant to go when we see God before us, and to rest where He appoints us to rest. The leading of this cloud is spoken of as signifying the guidance of the blessed Spirit.

We are not now to expect such tokens of the Divine presence and guidance; but the promise is sure to all God's spiritual Israel, that He will guide them by His counsel (Psalms 73:24), even unto death (Psalms 48:14). All the children of God will be led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14). He will direct the paths of those who in all their ways acknowledge Him (Proverbs 3:6). At the commandment of the Lord, our hearts should always move and rest, saying, "Father, Your will be done; dispose of me and mine as You please. What You will, and where You will; only let me be Yours, and always in the way of my duty."

In applying general precepts to particular circumstances, there should be good counsel and fervent prayer. When any undertaking is evidently wrong, or doubtfully right, and yet the mind leans that way, in such a case "the moving of the cloud," as people sometimes miscall it, is generally no more than a temptation Satan is permitted to propose; and they fancy they are following the Lord, when they are following their own wayward inclinations. The record of His mercy will conduct us with unerring truth, through Christ, to everlasting peace.

Follow the pillar of the cloud and of fire. Lay the BIBLE to heart, and receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls.