The answer is: A pillar of cloud and of fire

Exo 13:21

Imagine setting out on a long journey where there’s no clear road or signpost in sight, and you’re completely reliant on a guiding light! That’s what the Israelites experienced during their wanderings in the wilderness after the Exodus. According to Exodus 13:21, they had an extraordinary guiding presence— a pillar of cloud to shade them by day and a pillar of fire to illuminate their path by night. This miraculous phenomena wasn’t just a way to navigate the vast, barren desert; it symbolizes God's steadfast presence and guidance through uncertainty.

Fun fact: In ancient times, clouds often represented something divine. The Israelites believed that these manifestations signed that they were under God’s protection. The cloud by day offered respite from the scorching sun, while the fire at night provided warmth and security. Historically, arrival at the Promised Land served not just as a final destination but as a significant milestone—a return to a homeland that was both physical and deeply spiritual.

Further echoing these themes, early Christian traditions reflected on this phenomenon as prefiguring the guidance of the Holy Spirit—an ever-reliable source of direction during turbulent times. The adventurous nature of the Israelites’ trek through the wilderness carries valuable lessons about facing life’s unknowns and trusting in a direction that benefits all, guiding toward hope and promise.