Numbers 10:24-34

24 Abidan son of Gideoni commanded the forces of the tribe of Benjamin.

25 Finally, under the flag of the tribe of Dan, the rear guard of all the camps marched out with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command.

26 Pagiel son of Ocran commanded the forces of the tribe of Asher;

27 Ahira son of Enan commanded the forces of the tribe of Naphtali.

28 These were the marching units of the People of Israel. They were on their way.

29 Moses said to his brother-in-law Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, "We're marching to the place about which God promised, 'I'll give it to you.' Come with us; we'll treat you well. God has promised good things for Israel."

30 But Hobab said, "I'm not coming; I'm going back home to my own country, to my own family."

31 Moses countered, "Don't leave us. You know all the best places to camp in the wilderness. We need your eyes.

32 If you come with us, we'll make sure that you share in all the good things God will do for us."

33 And so off they marched. From the Mountain of God they marched three days with the Chest of the Covenant of God in the lead to scout out a campsite.

34 The Cloud of God was above them by day when they marched from the camp.

Numbers 10:24-34 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 10

This chapter gives an account of the directions given for making two silver trumpets, and of the use of them, the ends and purposes for which they were to be made, Nu 10:1-10; and of the time of taking up of the cloud from the tabernacle, and of the removal of the camp of Israel from the wilderness of Sinai, and of the order of their march, Nu 10:11-28; when Moses most earnestly passed Hobab, his brother in law, to continue with him, Nu 10:29-32; and the chapter is closed with the prayer of Moses at the setting forward of the ark, and the resting of it, Nu 10:33-36.