Deuteronomy 1:33
New International Version
who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go.

New Living Translation
who goes before you looking for the best places to camp, guiding you with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day.

English Standard Version
who went before you in the way to seek you out a place to pitch your tents, in fire by night and in the cloud by day, to show you by what way you should go.

Berean Standard Bible
who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
who went in the way before you to search out a place for you to pitch your tents, to show you the way you should go, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day.

New American Standard Bible
who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to make camp, in the fire by night to show you the way by which you should go, and in the cloud by day.

NASB 1995
who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go.

NASB 1977
who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go.

Legacy Standard Bible
who goes before you on your way, to spy out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go.

Amplified Bible
who went before you along the way, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to seek a place for you to make camp and to show you the way in which you should go.

Christian Standard Bible
who went before you on the journey to seek out a place for you to camp. He went in the fire by night and in the cloud by day to guide you on the road you were to travel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
who went before you on the journey to seek out a place for you to camp. He went in the fire by night and in the cloud by day to guide you on the road you were to travel.”

American Standard Version
who went before you in the way, to seek you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way ye should go, and in the cloud by day.

Contemporary English Version
even though he had always been with us in the desert. During the daytime, the LORD was in the cloud, leading us in the right direction and showing us where to camp. And at night, he was there in the fire.

English Revised Version
who went before you in the way, to seek you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in the cloud by day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
who went ahead of you to find places for you to camp. He appeared in a column of fire at night and in a column of smoke during the day to show you which route to take.

Good News Translation
even though he always went ahead of you to find a place for you to camp. To show you the way, he went in front of you in a pillar of fire by night and in a pillar of cloud by day.

International Standard Version
who walked ahead of you along the way to scout a place for you to pitch camp—by fire at night and cloud by day—to lead you on the way you should go."

Majority Standard Bible
who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

NET Bible
the one who was constantly going before you to find places for you to set up camp. He appeared by fire at night and cloud by day, to show you the way you ought to go.

New Heart English Bible
who went before you in the way, to seek you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way you should go, and in the cloud by day.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who went in the way before you, to search out for you a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.

World English Bible
who went before you on the way, to seek out a place for you to pitch your tents in: in fire by night, to show you by what way you should go, and in the cloud by day.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who is going before you in the way to search out for you a place for your encamping, in fire by night, to show you in the way in which you go, and in a cloud by day.

Young's Literal Translation
who is going before you in the way to search out to you a place for your encamping, in fire by night, to shew you in the way in which ye go, and in a cloud by day.

Smith's Literal Translation
He going in the way before you to search out for you a place for you to encamp, in fire by night, to cause you to see in what way ye shall go in it, and in a cloud by day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who went before you in the way, and marked out the place, wherein you should pitch your tents, in the night shewing you the way by fire, and in the day by the pillar of a cloud.

Catholic Public Domain Version
who went before you on the way, and who marked out the place where you should pitch your tents, showing you the way by fire in the night, and by a pillar of cloud in the day.

New American Bible
who journeys before you to find you a place to camp—by night in the fire, and by day in the cloud, to show you the way to go.

New Revised Standard Version
who goes before you on the way to seek out a place for you to camp, in fire by night, and in the cloud by day, to show you the route you should take.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who went in the way before you to prepare a place for you to encamp in it, in fire by night to show you by what way you should go, and in a cloud by day.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Who goes before you in the way to prepare a place for you that you may dwell in it; he has shown you the way that you should go in it, in fire by night and in a cloud by day.’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Who went before you in the way, to seek you out a place to pitch your tents in: in fire by night, to show you by what way ye should go, and in the cloud by day.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
who goes before you in the way to choose you a place, guiding you in fire by night, shewing you the way by which ye go, and a cloud by day.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel's Rebellion
32But in spite of all this, you did not trust the LORD your God, 33who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

Cross References
Exodus 13:21-22
And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.

Numbers 9:15-23
On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. / It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire. / Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. ...

Nehemiah 9:19
You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.

Psalm 78:14
He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night.

Psalm 105:39
He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.

Isaiah 63:12-14
who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, / who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble? / Like cattle going down to the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make for Yourself a glorious name.

Exodus 40:36-38
Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. / If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. / For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.

Numbers 10:33-34
So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain of the LORD, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD traveling ahead of them for those three days to seek a resting place for them. / And the cloud of the LORD was over them by day when they set out from the camp.

Psalm 136:16
He led His people through the wilderness. His loving devotion endures forever.

Exodus 14:19-20
And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, / so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.

Numbers 14:14
And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have already heard that You, O LORD, are in the midst of this people, that You, O LORD, have been seen face to face, that Your cloud stands over them, and that You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 11:29
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.

Revelation 7:15
For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.


Treasury of Scripture

Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way you should go, and in a cloud by day.

Who went

Exodus 13:21
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Numbers 10:33
And 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.

Psalm 77:20
Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

in fire

Exodus 13:21,22
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: …

Exodus 14:19,20,24
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: …

Exodus 40:34-38
Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle…

Jump to Previous
Ahead Camp Cloud Encamp Encamping Journey Lighting Night Pitch Places Search Seek Show Tents Way
Jump to Next
Ahead Camp Cloud Encamp Encamping Journey Lighting Night Pitch Places Search Seek Show Tents Way
Deuteronomy 1
1. Moses' speech in the end of the fortieth year
6. briefly rehearsing the history of God's sending them from Horeb
14. of giving them officers
19. of sending the spies to search the land
34. of his anger for their incredulity
41. and disobedience














who went before you on the journey
This phrase refers to God's guidance and leadership of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt and their journey through the wilderness. It emphasizes God's active role in leading His people, a theme that is consistent throughout the Old Testament. The journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one, where God was teaching and shaping His people. This leadership is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of Christ as the Good Shepherd who leads His flock (John 10:11).

in the fire by night and in the cloud by day
The fire and cloud represent the physical manifestations of God's presence with the Israelites. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night provided guidance and protection (Exodus 13:21-22). This dual manifestation ensured that the Israelites could travel by day or night, symbolizing God's constant presence. The fire and cloud are also seen as types of the Holy Spirit, who guides and protects believers today. The imagery of fire and cloud is echoed in the New Testament at Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit appears as tongues of fire (Acts 2:3).

to seek out a place for you to camp
This phrase highlights God's provision and care for the Israelites. In the wilderness, finding suitable places to camp was crucial for the survival of the nation. God's guidance ensured that they had the resources they needed. This reflects God's promise to provide for His people, a theme that is reiterated in the New Testament when Jesus teaches about God's provision (Matthew 6:31-33). The idea of God preparing a place is also seen in Jesus' promise to prepare a place for believers in His Father's house (John 14:2-3).

and to show you the road to travel
God's guidance was not only about the destination but also about the journey itself. The road to travel was both a literal path through the wilderness and a metaphorical path of obedience and faith. This guidance is a reminder of the importance of following God's ways and trusting in His plans. The concept of God directing one's path is echoed in Proverbs 3:5-6, where believers are encouraged to trust in the Lord for direction. This phrase also foreshadows Jesus as "the way" (John 14:6), emphasizing that following Him is the path to eternal life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as the guide and protector of the Israelites, leading them through the wilderness.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel, whom God led out of Egypt and through the wilderness to the Promised Land.

3. Wilderness Journey
The period of 40 years when the Israelites wandered in the desert after their exodus from Egypt, during which God provided guidance and sustenance.

4. Pillar of Cloud and Fire
Manifestations of God's presence and guidance, with the cloud leading by day and the fire by night.

5. Promised Land
The destination of the Israelites' journey, a land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants.
Teaching Points
God's Faithful Guidance
Just as God led the Israelites, He continues to guide His people today. We can trust in His direction even when the path seems uncertain.

Divine Presence in Our Lives
The cloud and fire symbolize God's presence. We are reminded that God is always with us, providing comfort and assurance.

Obedience to God's Leading
The Israelites had to follow the cloud and fire. Similarly, we must be attentive and obedient to God's leading in our lives.

God's Provision for Our Journey
God not only guides but also provides for our needs along the journey. We should rely on His provision and not our own understanding.

Trust in God's Timing
The Israelites moved when the cloud moved. We must learn to trust God's timing and not rush ahead or lag behind.(33) Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place.--Comp. Numbers 10:33, "The ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them . . . to search out a resting place for them;" and St. John 14:2, "I go to prepare a place for you;" and Hebrews 6:20, "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus." On the whole manner of this cloud-guidance, see Numbers 9:15-23.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
who went
הַהֹלֵ֨ךְ (ha·hō·lêḵ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

before you
לִפְנֵיכֶ֜ם (lip̄·nê·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face

on the journey,
בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְ (bad·de·reḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

in the fire
בָּאֵ֣שׁ ׀ (bā·’êš)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

by night
לַ֗יְלָה (lay·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

and in the cloud
וּבֶעָנָ֖ן (ū·ḇe·‘ā·nān)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

by day,
יוֹמָֽם׃ (yō·w·mām)
Adverb
Strong's 3119: Daytime, by day

to seek out
לָת֥וּר (lā·ṯūr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8446: To meander, about, for, trade, reconnoitring

a place
מָק֖וֹם (mā·qō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

for you to camp
לַֽחֲנֹֽתְכֶ֑ם (la·ḥă·nō·ṯə·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp

[and] to show you
לַרְאֹֽתְכֶם֙ (lar·’ō·ṯə·ḵem)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

the road
בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ (bad·de·reḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

to travel.
תֵּֽלְכוּ־ (tê·lə·ḵū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 1:33 Who went before you in the way (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 1:32
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