The next section (verses 12-21) describes the time the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. According to Williamson (1985, pages 313-314), it has the following repetitive structure:
(a) God’s gracious provision of
(i) guidance on the journey (the pillar and cloud; verse 12)
(ii) good laws for guidance in all aspects of their lives (verses 13-14)
(iii) material provision for life in the wilderness (verse 15a)
(iv) renewal of the promise of the land (verse 15b).
(b) The people’s ungrateful rebellion, rejecting both God’s laws and his provision in their desire to return to Egypt (verses 16-18).
(c) God’s continuing mercy, so he did not remove the provision made previously, namely,
(i) the pillar and the cloud (verse 19)
(ii) his Spirit to instruct them (verse 20a)
(iii) material provision for life in the wilderness (verses 20b-21)
(iv) possession of the land (verses 22-25).

Pillar of cloud … pillar of fire: The cloud of the daytime and the fire of the nighttime are both described as pillars. Normally, a pillar supports a roof or, in Hebrew cosmology, pillars were believed to support the heavens (see Job 9.6; 26.11; Psa 75.3). However, here the word describes the appearance of both the cloud and the fire that led the Israelites in their journey (see Exo 13.21). Most versions retain the picture of the pillar, though it can be expressed as a comparison; for example, “a cloud in the shape of a pillar” and “a burning fire in the shape of a pillar,” or “that was similar to a pillar,” or even “that looked like a pillar.” If pillars are unknown or if they are unacceptable to be used to describe clouds and fire, then an equivalent picture or appropriate adjectives may be used. For example, Contemporary English Version qualifies the cloud and the fire with adjectives that are commonly used in English with the two objects: “thick cloud” and “flaming fire.” Translators should show that the cloud and the fire were special in their shape. If at all possible, they should not do as Good News Translation has done, omitting the figurative language and simply saying “cloud” and “fire.”

To light for them the way in which they should go means to shine on the path or on the way, thereby showing them the way they should take. Good News Translation restructures the verse to make its two parts clearly parallel and its meaning easier to understand.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Nehemiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .