In biblical terminology, the concept of a "rear-guard" refers to a protective force or presence that follows and secures the rear of a moving group, often an army or a caravan. This term is used both literally and metaphorically in the Scriptures to describe God's protective role over His people.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 14:19-20: In the account of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, the Angel of God and the pillar of cloud moved from before the Israelites to behind them, serving as a rear-guard. "Then the Angel of God, who had been traveling in front of the Israelite army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, so that it came between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night, the cloud brought darkness to one side and light to the other; so neither went near the other all night long."

2. Isaiah 52:12: The prophet Isaiah speaks of God's assurance to the Israelites as they prepare to leave Babylonian captivity. "For you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." This passage emphasizes God's comprehensive protection, both leading and following His people.

3. Isaiah 58:8: In a passage discussing the blessings of true fasting and righteousness, the rear-guard is mentioned as part of God's promise of protection and healing. "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." Here, the rear-guard signifies divine protection and the presence of God's glory.

Theological Significance:

The concept of the rear-guard in Scripture underscores the completeness of God's protection over His people. It is not merely a defensive measure but a divine assurance that God is actively involved in safeguarding His followers from all sides. This protection is both physical and spiritual, ensuring that the people of God are secure as they journey through life.

In the context of the Exodus, the rear-guard role of the Angel of God and the pillar of cloud highlights God's direct intervention in the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to protect His people from pursuing enemies.

In the prophetic writings of Isaiah, the rear-guard is a metaphor for God's enduring presence and protection. It reassures the faithful that God is not only leading them into new beginnings but also securing their past and present, preventing any harm from overtaking them.

Practical Application:

For believers today, the concept of God as a rear-guard offers comfort and assurance. It is a reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, providing protection and guidance. This understanding encourages trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to guard against spiritual and physical threats. It also calls believers to live righteously, knowing that God's presence is both a guide and a shield.622. asaph -- to gather, remove
... 1), gather (33), gathered (81), gathering (1), gathers (3), lose (3), pick (1),
put (1), put them all together (1), reaper (1), rear guard (5), received (2 ...
/hebrew/622.htm - 6k

6119. aqeb -- heel, footprint, hind part
... from an unused word Definition heel, footprint, hind part NASB Word Usage footprints
(1), footsteps (1), heel (4), heels (3), hoofs (1), rear guard (1), steps ...
/hebrew/6119.htm - 6k

December the Thirty-First the Rear-Guard
... DECEMBER The Thirty-first THE REAR-GUARD. "Goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days of my life." "Psalm 23.p>But why "follow" me? Why not "go before"? ...
/.../december the thirty-first the rear-guard.htm

A Path in the Sea
... When an army has to ford a river in the face of hostile forces, the hazardous operation
is possible only if a strong rearguard is left on the enemy's side, to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a path in the sea.htm

That Divine Love More Excellently Sanctifies the virtues when they ...
... him, we do not fail to give each part of his army due credit for its own share;
we say that the vanguard did this, the main body that, the rearguard the other ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv that divine love.htm

'Is it I?'
... The man 'who fears no fall' is sure to have one. It is perilous to march through
an enemy's country in loose order, without scouts and rearguard. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/is it i.htm

Things that Accompany Salvation
... come to those who immediately precede it, and then we shall notice those who accompany
it by its side, and conclude by noticing the rear guard attending upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/things that accompany salvation.htm

The Life of Mr. William Vetch.
... Paton (now lieutenant of the rear-guard of the western army) who beat back Dalziel's
horse, and delivered him, saying, O Sir, we took you for a dead man, and ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr william 3.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ...
... prayers which date from before the time of our Lord; [5190] in the formula from
age to age,' world without end,' it forms, so to speak, the rearguard to every ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the third day.htm

The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church
... The rear-guard will be brought up in that day when the last vessel of mercy is full
to the brim of grace, the last prodigal is restored to his Father's house ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the vanguard and rereward of.htm

Israel in Egypt
... Let us be of good cheer: the rearguard shall soon be where the vanguard already
is; the last of the chosen shall soon have landed; the last of God's elect ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/israel in egypt.htm

My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year
... DECEMBER The Thirtieth THE BLESSEDNESS OF FORGIVENESS. DECEMBER The Thirty-first
THE REAR-GUARD. DEVOTIONAL. THE WORLD OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT. THEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jowett/my daily meditation for the circling year/

Rearguard (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Rearguard (3 Occurrences). Joshua 6:9 And the armed
men went before the priests who blew with the trumpets ...
/r/rearguard.htm - 7k

Rear-guard (4 Occurrences)
Rear-guard. Rearguard, Rear-guard. Rearing . Multi-Version Concordance
Rear-guard (4 Occurrences). ... (DBY). Rearguard, Rear-guard. Rearing . Reference
/r/rear-guard.htm - 7k

Rereward (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Joshua 6:9), the troops in the rear of an army on
the march, the rear-guard. ... (n.) The rearguard of an army. Int. ...
/r/rereward.htm - 7k

Rear (46 Occurrences)
... them. The rearguard came after the ark of Yahweh. The trumpets sounded
as they went. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Joshua ...
/r/rear.htm - 21k

Marching (17 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:9 And the armed men went before the priests who blew with the trumpets,
and the rearguard came after the ark; they blew with the trumpets in marching. ...
/m/marching.htm - 12k

Reared (22 Occurrences)

/r/reared.htm - 13k

Guard (185 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:9 And the armed men went before the priests who blew with the trumpets,
and the rearguard came after the ark ... The rearguard came after the ark of Yahweh ...
/g/guard.htm - 55k

Rearing (2 Occurrences)

/r/rearing.htm - 7k

Rib (5 Occurrences)
... el chamis), "the army," which, however, Arabic lexicographers explain as meaning
"fivefold," namely, vanguard, right and left wing, center and rearguard). ...
/r/rib.htm - 11k

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