Did not depart from before the people means “did not withdraw, give way, or fail to be present.” Revised English Bible has “never left its place in front of the people,” but this should not suggest that the pillar never moved. (See verse 21.) This may be said positively, “was always in front of the people” (Good News Translation).

Contemporary English Version combines verses 21 and 22, summarizing the content of verse 22 with the phrase “at all times”:

• During the day the LORD went ahead of his people in a thick cloud, and during the night he went ahead of them in a flaming fire. That way the LORD could lead them at all times, whether day or night.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .