Meat for the Hungry

     Intense forceful wind swept the floor of the desert hurling bits of sand that stung our faces. Yet, with feet feeling of lead, we trudged toward the sea of tents.      The encampment seemed deserted, but muffled voices filtered through the walls of each tent. Clearly, the brief sandstorm had forced the inhabitants to remain sheltered.      Determined to reach the odd rectangular-shaped structure in the midst of the camp, we wove our way through crude walkways while our shadows, splashed against the tents, made known our presence. By the time we reached our destination, whipping sand had given way to searing heat and Nahshon, son of Amminadab, leader of the children of Judah blocked our way.

Not only were these pillars the assurance of God’s presence and leading, but also protection. Danger lurked at every turn and the barren desert wilderness threatened the life of a foot-traveler. Hot sun baked the land. What would it do to a human body? Did the cloud provide shade? At night, enemy forces looking to obliterate this traveling nation, and/or hungry, wild animals looking for an easy meal, would have found the light from the miraculous fire pillar a deterrent. Think for a moment about the people who called this region home. What was it like for them to witness such a phenomenon? The gods they worshiped couldn’t do this. Clearly, Israel’s God was El-Elyon, God Most High.