Numbers 10:11-21

11 In the second year after Israel’s departure from Egypt—on the twentieth day of the second month —the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle of the Covenant.

12 So the Israelites set out from the wilderness of Sinai and traveled on from place to place until the cloud stopped in the wilderness of Paran.

13 When the people set out for the first time, following the instructions the LORD had given through Moses,

14 Judah’s troops led the way. They marched behind their banner, and their leader was Nahshon son of Amminadab.

15 They were joined by the troops of the tribe of Issachar, led by Nethanel son of Zuar,

16 and the troops of the tribe of Zebulun, led by Eliab son of Helon.

17 Then the Tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonite and Merarite divisions of the Levites were next in the line of march, carrying the Tabernacle with them.

18 Reuben’s troops went next, marching behind their banner. Their leader was Elizur son of Shedeur.

19 They were joined by the troops of the tribe of Simeon, led by Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai,

20 and the troops of the tribe of Gad, led by Eliasaph son of Deuel.

21 Next came the Kohathite division of the Levites, carrying the sacred objects from the Tabernacle. Before they arrived at the next camp, the Tabernacle would already be set up at its new location.

Numbers 10:11-21 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. This day in the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar occurred in late April, May, or early June.
• [b]. Or Tabernacle of the Testimony.