8102. Further explanation of these matters can be dispensed with since they have been explained before, at Genesis 50:24-25, where similar words occur, see 6590, 6592.

8102a Verses 20-22 And they travelled from Succoth and encamped in Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. And Jehovah went before them during the daytime in a pillar of cloud to lead them [along] the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and by night. The pillar of cloud during the daytime and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

'And they travelled from Succoth and encamped in Etham' means the second state after they were delivered. 'On the edge of the wilderness' means the first state of temptations. 'And Jehovah went before them' means the Lord's constant presence. 'During the daytime in a pillar of cloud' means that when there was a state of enlightenment, this was moderated by a dimming of truth. 'To lead them [along] the way' means Divine guidance. 'And by night in a pillar of fire to give them light' means that when there was a state of dimness, this was moderated by enlightenment from good. 'So as to go by day and by night' means thus life in both states. 'The pillar of cloud during the daytime and the pillar of fire by night, did not depart from before the people' means the Lord's presence, that it was unceasing.

In most cases, "mouth" in the Bible represents thought and logic, especially the kind of active, concrete thought that is connected with speech. The reason for this is pretty obvious, but it also holds when people, for instance, remove a stone from the mouth of a well, which represents gaining access to spiritual ideas. The mouth is used for eating as well as speaking, of course. In those circumstances, it represents our first, most external perception of a new spiritual idea or desire. This also makes sense, mirroring the way tasting food in the mouth gives us an instant impression of the quality of the food.