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:
19. And the angel of God. A sudden change which occurred to prevent a battle is here described; for the angel:, who used to go before the Israelites to show the way: turned to the other side, that he might be interposed between the two camps; and this, in two respects, because the pillar of fire shone upon the Israelites to dissipate the darkness of...
Moses lifted up his heart in silent prayer more effectually than Israel's loud outcries, but now God calls him from prayer to action at his post. Every thing is beautiful in its season; when we are in the way of duty we must go forward, not stand in mute astonishment, and leave the event to God.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 14:15-20
And the Angel of God which went before the camp of Israel,.... The Jews say (y) this was Michael, the great prince, who became a wall of fire between Israel and the Egyptians; and if they understood by him the uncreated angel, the eternal Word, the Son of God, who is always in Scripture meant by Michael, they are right: for certainly this Angel of...