It is written, "And God went before them by day in a pillar of cloud . . . and by night in a pillar of fire" (Exodus 13:21). But how is it possible to say this? Is it not written, "The whole earth is filled with His glory"? (Isaiah 6:3).
Rabbi Antoninos explained this with the following example:
A king once sat in judgment and remained in court until after dark. His children remained in court so that they would be able to accompany him home.
When the king left for his palace, he took a lantern and carried it, lighting the way for his children. His officers and nobles saw this and offered to carry the lantern for the king.
The king then told them, "I do not carry the lamp because I lack someone else to carry it. I carry it to show my love for my children."
Rabbi Antoninos explained that the same is true of God. He reveals His glory before His children as an expression of love for them. -Mekhlita
Rabbi Antoninos explained this with the following example:
A king once sat in judgment and remained in court until after dark. His children remained in court so that they would be able to accompany him home.
When the king left for his palace, he took a lantern and carried it, lighting the way for his children. His officers and nobles saw this and offered to carry the lantern for the king.
The king then told them, "I do not carry the lamp because I lack someone else to carry it. I carry it to show my love for my children."
Rabbi Antoninos explained that the same is true of God. He reveals His glory before His children as an expression of love for them. -Mekhlita
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