Exodus 14:19-20a Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them. (Christ in His pre-incarnate appearance as the Angel of the Lord had been Israel's vanguard, leading the people out of Egypt and through the desert. Because the Red Sea now stood before the people and they had no other path to take, the Lord moved His position from a leadership position to a protective stance. Now He has become their rearguard, protecting them from the enemy at their heels. Today, the Lord still performs these functions. He goes before us leading the way into the unknown where we are vulnerable. He takes up the rear safeguarding us from behind where we are vulnerable.) The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. (The physical manifestation of the Lord's Presence also changes position and serves as a barrier between a vulnerable and unarmed people and a foe bent on their annihilation and enslavement. The Lord still stands as an immovable force between us and certain destruction. He assures us that no enemy or force of darkness is able to penetrate His protective barrier that stands as a fortress within which we live and move and have our being in Him.)
