THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
In regard to the movement and halting of the Israelites, the Lord provided specific directives, emphasizing the importance of keenly observing the timing of their departure, and warning those who might be negligent about the peril that awaited them should they fail to do so. This literal interpretation conveys that when the cloud was lifted, the tabernacle was raised as well, and when the cloud settled, the tabernacle also stopped; the Israelites mirrored this action. This reflects the idea that the Church faithfully follows Christ, with the congregation of believers remaining close to the One who summons them to salvation.
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What can we grasp about our own rising and resting under the guidance of Christ? It seems to me that there is no distinction in the scriptural references; the rising and halting of the tabernacle alongside the cloud serve as a symbol of our yearning to be in the presence of God. If we delve deeper into this metaphorically, we can understand that the initial rising signifies a movement from disbelief to faith, from ignorance to enlightenment about Him who is genuinely and fundamentally God, leading to a clearer understanding of the Lord and Creator of all. The subsequent ascent, which is advantageous, entails moving from a state of decay and sinfulness to a desire to think and act in a more virtuous manner. The third ascent, which is even more esteemed and glorious than the previous ones, represents the transition from imperfections to a state of excellence in both deeds and teachings.
Are we not progressing toward spiritual maturity in Christ, striving to attain 'the perfect man' and to reach 'the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ' (Eph. 4:13)? This aligns with the message from the Apostle Paul who states: 'forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus' (Phil. 3:13-14). By mentally advancing from ignorance to understanding, from doubt to faith, and continually improving in virtue, do we not transition from one state to another? Like ordinary travelers, do we not move from one disposition or skill to the next?
I grasp your point. Yet, no one can escape the realm of corruption or attain and remain in the highest state without the involvement and guidance of Christ, as He remarked to His disciples, 'Without Me you can do nothing' (John 15:5). Consequently, the rising alongside the cloud’s movement and pausing in sync with its stillness signifies being in fellowship with God and undertaking all actions in partnership with Him. It is noted, 'At the command of the Lord let them be lifted up' (Num. 9:23). This suggests that those who recognize the necessity of following Christ require words to inspire them towards the courage and self-discipline deserving of the saints: 'Let all things be done decently and in order' (1 Cor. 14:40).