Numbers 9:20

20 If sometimes the cloud remained a few days over the tabernacle, ¹according to the command of the LORD they remained camped. Then according to the command of the LORD they set out.

Numbers 9:20 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 9:20

And [so] it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the
tabernacle
Or "days of number", which were so few that they might be easily numbered: the Targum of Jonathan interprets them of the seven days of the week, as if the sense was, when the cloud rested a week on the tabernacle:

according to the commandment of the Lord they abode in their tents;
during these few days, be they a week, or more, or less:

and according to the commandment of the Lord they journeyed;
when it removed from the tabernacle.

Numbers 9:20 In-Context

18 At the command of the LORD the sons of Israel would set out, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud settled over the tabernacle, they remained camped.

19 Even when the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for many days, the sons of Israel would keep the LORD'S charge and not set out.

20 If sometimes the cloud remained a few days over the tabernacle, according to the command of the LORD they remained camped. Then according to the command of the LORD they set out.

21 If sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning, when the cloud was lifted in the morning, they would move out; or if it remained in the daytime and at night, whenever the cloud was lifted, they would set out.

22 Whether it was two days or a month or a year that the cloud lingered over the tabernacle, staying above it, the sons of Israel remained camped and did not set out; but when it was lifted, they did set out.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 48:14; Proverbs 3:5, 6

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "it was that"
• [b]. Lit "mouth"
• [c]. Lit "mouth"