Christ in Song ‎#518

518. The Cloud and Fire

1 As of old when the hosts of Israel
Were compell'd in the wilderness to dwell,
Trusting they in their God to lead the way
To the light of perfect day.

Chorus:
So the sign of the fire by night,
And the sign of the cloud by day,
Hov'ring o'er, just before,
As they journey on their way,
Shall a guide and a leader be,
Till the wilderness be past,
For the Lord our God in His own good time
Shall lead to the light at last.

2 To and fro as a ship without a sail,
Not a compass to guide them thro' the vale,
But the sign of their God was ever near,
Thus their fainting hearts to cheer. [Chorus]

3 All the days of their wand'rings they were fed
To the land of the promise they were led;
By the hand of the Lord in guidance sure,
They were bro't to Canaan's shore. [Chorus]

Text Information

• First Line: As of old when the hosts of Israel
• Title: The Cloud and Fire
• Author: C. A. M.
• Refrain First Line: So the sign of the fire by night
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: God: God's Protection; Christ: Christ Leading; Special Selections: Choir or Quartet

Tune Information

• Name: [As of old when the hosts of Israel]
• Composer: C. Austin Miles
• Key: E♭ Major