10:11-36

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Nu 10:11-14:45

FROM SINAI TO KADESH

The procession moves off

(Nu 10:11-36)

Almost one year after they arrived at Mount Sinai, the people of Israel, led by Judah, moved off on the journey to Canaan (Nu 10:11-16; see Exod 19:1).

The Gershonites and Merarites went in advance of the Kohathites, probably so that they could set up the tabernacle, ready for placement of the furniture when the Kohathites arrived (Nu 10:17-28).

Although the cloud guided Israel, the leaders still needed to know local conditions. For this reason Moses asked his brother-in-law Hobab to go with them, as Hobab had grown up in the region (Nu 10:29-32).

Apparently the ark went in front of the whole procession, symbolizing, as Moses’ prayer indicated, the leadership of God in overcoming obstacles and making a way for his people.

When the people set up a new camp (in this case, after three days’ journey) Moses prayed again, inviting God to dwell among them (Nu 10:33-36).