Exodus 14:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The angel removed the cloud that had been guiding the Israelites and positioned it between the Hebrew people and the Egyptians. When the cloud, which provided shade during the day, was set in place at night between the two groups, it plunged the Egyptians into a darkness reminiscent of the three days of darkness they had previously experienced. For the Israelites, however, there was illumination from the pillar of fire that guided them. This occurrence was meant to instill fear in the Egyptians while offering reassurance to the Hebrews. Had the Egyptians noticed this darkness, they would have refrained from entering the sea.

The cloud that guided the Israelites had previously led the entire assembly of Israel from the front. However, it now shifted its position to the rear of the people. On this occasion, the Angel of God, identified as the second Person of the Holy Trinity—the Son of God—rose up. This event cannot be viewed in isolation from the movement of the cloud, as the Angel of God did not appear independently from the pillar but was present within it, directing all of its actions.

The messenger of God. In chapter XIII, verse 21, it is noted that the Lord leads Israel. This reminds us of our previous discussion in chapter 3, note 3, regarding the difference between a created messenger and the messenger that bears the divine name, who represents the very essence of the Creator. We again emphasize the significance of Exodus chapter XXIII, verse 21, along with verses 2-3 of the same chapter.