Topical Bible: Israel: Made the Journey by Night

◄ Israel: Made the Journey by Night ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The phrase "Israel: Made the Journey by Night" refers to a significant event in the history of the Israelites, as recorded in the Old Testament. This event is primarily associated with the Exodus, the pivotal moment when the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, departed from Egypt after centuries of bondage. The journey by night symbolizes both the urgency and divine guidance that characterized this escape from slavery.

Biblical Context

The narrative of the Exodus is found in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The journey by night is specifically mentioned in Exodus 12:29-42. After the final plague—the death of the firstborn—Pharaoh relents and allows the Israelites to leave. The urgency of their departure is underscored by the fact that they left at night, as described in Exodus 12:31: "During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, 'Up, leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.'"

Symbolism and Significance

The journey by night holds deep symbolic meaning. It represents a transition from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom, and from despair to hope. The night journey underscores the immediacy of God's deliverance and the faith required of the Israelites to follow His command without hesitation. It also highlights the protective presence of God, who guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).

Divine Protection and Guidance

Traveling by night was not only a practical decision to avoid the Egyptian forces but also a testament to God's providence. The pillar of fire provided light and direction, ensuring that the Israelites could travel safely. This divine guidance is a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the night journey of Israel is a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to deliver His people from oppression and lead them toward the Promised Land. The event foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who is often associated with light overcoming darkness (John 1:5).

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, traveling by night was unusual and fraught with danger. The Israelites' ability to do so safely underscores the miraculous nature of their escape. The haste of their departure is further emphasized by the unleavened bread they carried, as they did not have time to let their dough rise (Exodus 12:39).

Conclusion

The journey by night is a defining moment in the history of Israel, encapsulating themes of liberation, divine intervention, and faith. It is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people and His power to bring about redemption in the most challenging circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 12:42
It is a night to be much observed to the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether Christ's Birth was Made Known in a Becoming Order?
... who was waiting for the consolation of Israel," was the ... reason the birth of Christ
was made known to ... matter and prepared themselves for the journey, they came ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs birth was made.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... inquiry from the usurper of the throne, and made at the ... Which shall be shepherd of
My people Israel.". ... After the long journey they had been disappointed by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

Canaan
... "We have but sojourned here a night. The journey's end is farther on.". "Israel
hath made a long night of the sojourn," he rejoined laughingly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xii canaan.htm

What Life's Journey May Be
... 'Redeemed,' 'ransomed of the Lord.' Israel had in ... What is strongly in their minds
is that a great surrender must be greatly made by the ... The end of the journey. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/what lifes journey may be.htm

Elijah the Great Heart of Israel.
... asleep, and could be waked; or that he had gone on a journey, or was ... that stood there
with twelve stones for the twelve tribes of Israel, and made a trench ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvii elijah the great.htm

Following the Cloud.
... gold set with twelve precious stones, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of
Israel. ... Forty years they were on the journey that was so easily made by the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

Night
... distinguished her from any other Egyptian lady dressed for a long journey. ... "Nay,
to the God of Israel alone," she ... "It was but the habit in me that made me name ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxiv night.htm

The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
... was He more than a Prophet - a King: Israel's King, the ... he so firmly believed, [3262]
and made the foundation ... and the Saviour cannot pursue His journey on foot ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxx the night of.htm

The Last Journey from Galilee
... of His coming as He had never made before. ... As the eyes of all Israel had been directed
to the ... would have prevented Him from making the journey to Jerusalem. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 53 the last journey.htm

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... And Slaughter Of Vitellius Vespasian Hastened His Journey To Rome ... much profaned by
the Jews; and made a market ... the most probably in the court of Israel only [for ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm