February 6

Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, — Isa 4:5 BSB

This passage alludes to the cloud that rested on the tabernacle. It appeared as a cloud by day but as a pillar of fire by night. The reason is clear: during the day, the cloud was visible enough, but at night, the fire was needed to make the Lord’s presence seen. Spiritually, this night represents the dark seasons of the soul, for God’s saints experience both day and night. In these dark times, they need clearer, brighter manifestations of the Lord’s presence than when they walk in the light of day.

The “shining of a flaming fire by night” symbolizes the brighter revelations of God’s presence during times of spiritual darkness. It represents the powerful application of God’s Word to the heart, bringing clarity and comfort, much like a flaming fire compared to a cloud. It’s the same presence and glory, but revealed in a more vivid way during dark seasons.

This flaming fire can also represent the light of God’s Word, which is described as “a light shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). In times when the soul is dark, and evidence of God’s presence is obscured, we often see nothing but the light of God’s Word. David said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” In such moments, we must look beyond ourselves to the clear shining of God’s truth in His Word, for all else is darkness. We look to that light, sometimes from a distance and sometimes for a long time, until that Word draws near and begins to shine in our hearts.

As that light comes near, bringing comfort and peace, so does the presence and glory of God. Fixing our hearts on God’s promises and waiting for their fulfillment is walking by faith, not by sight. Just as Abraham experienced darkness when a “horror of great darkness” fell upon him, the same promise, the Word of a covenant God, appeared as a burning lamp passing between the pieces of the sacrifice (Genesis 15:17).