21 Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. The tabernacle was to be set up before they arrived.
21 And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.
21 Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things, and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.
21 Then the Kohathites left, carrying the holy things. By the time they arrived The Dwelling would be set up.
21 Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. (The tabernacle would be prepared for their arrival.)
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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 10:21
Commentary on Numbers 10:11-28
(Read Numbers 10:11-28)
After the Israelites had continued nearly a year at mount Sinai, and all was settled respecting their future worship, they began their march to Canaan. True religion begins with the knowledge of the holy law of God, and humiliation for sin, but we must go on towards perfection, in acquaintance with Christ and his gospel, and those effectual encouragements, motives, and assistances to holiness, which it proposes. They took their journey according to the commandment of the Lord, Deuteronomy 1:6-8, and as the cloud led them. Those who give themselves to the direction of God's word and Spirit, steer a steady course, even when they seem bewildered. While they are sure they cannot lose their God and Guide, they need not fear losing their way. They went out of the wilderness of Sinai, and rested in the wilderness of Paran. All our removes in this world are but from one wilderness to another. The changes we think will be for the better do not always prove so. We shall never be at rest, never at home, till we come to heaven, but all will be well there.