During the day the LORD went in front of them in a pillar of cloud to show them the way, and during the night he went in front of them in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel night and day.

The pillar of cloud was always in front of the people during the day, and the pillar of fire at night.

With a cloud you led them in daytime, and at night you lighted their way with fire.

But you did not abandon them there in the desert, for your mercy is great. You did not take away the cloud or the fire that showed them the path by day and night.

God put a cloud over his people and a fire at night to give them light.