Whether the cloud lingered for two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle; but when it was lifted, they would set out.
Parallel translations
- WEB Whether it was two days, or a month, or a year that the cloud stayed on the tabernacle, remaining on it, the children of Israel remained encamped, and didn’t travel; but when it was taken up, they traveled.
- KJV Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
- NKJV Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey.
- NASB Whether it was two days, 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.
- NLT Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Whether the cloud stayed two days, a month, or a year, Israel waited until it lifted before traveling. Their movements were wholly surrendered to God's timing.
Overview
For any length of time, short or long, Israel remained encamped as long as the cloud did. This total dependence on God's signal teaches that the life of faith is paced by God, not self, and that He may call His people to wait far longer than they would choose.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 17
- Ps 32:8I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.
- Exod 40:36–37Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey.
- Num 1:54Thus the Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
- Num 9:17Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp.
- Ps 107:7He led them on a straight path to reach a city where they could live.
- Deut 1:6–7The LORD our God said to us at Horeb: “You have stayed at this mountain long enough.
- Exod 40:16Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.
- Num 23:21–22He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them.
- Prov 3:5–6Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
- Num 8:20So Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel did with the Levites everything that the LORD had commanded Moses they should do.
- Ps 77:20You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
- Ps 143:10Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
- Exod 39:42The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
- Ps 73:24You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.
- Deut 2:3–4“You have been wandering around this hill country long enough; turn to the north
- Acts 1:4And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss.
- Ps 48:14For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even till death.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
In the wilderness Christ is the water from the rock, the bronze serpent lifted up that the dying might look and live (John 3:14), and the star and scepter that Balaam saw rising out of Jacob.
How Numbers 9:22 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.