11 In the second year, on the twentieth day of the second month, the Cloud went up from over The Dwelling of The Testimony. 12 At that the People of Israel set out on their travels from the Wilderness of Sinai until the Cloud finally settled in the Wilderness of Paran. 13 They began their march at the command of God through Moses. 14 The flag of the camp of Judah led the way, rank after rank under the command of Nahshon son of Amminadab. 15 Nethanel son of Zuar commanded the forces of the tribe of Issachar, 16 and Eliab son of Helon commanded the forces of the tribe of Zebulun. 17 As soon as The Dwelling was taken down, the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, carrying The Dwelling. 18 The flag of the camp of Reuben was next with Elizur son of Shedeur in command. 19 Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai commanded the forces of the tribe of Simeon; 20 Eliasaph son of Deuel commanded the forces of the tribe of Gad. 21 Then the Kohathites left, carrying the holy things. By the time they arrived The Dwelling would be set up. 22 The flag of the tribe of Ephraim moved out next, commanded by Elishama son of Ammihud. 23 Gamaliel son of Pedahzur commanded the forces of the tribe of Manasseh; 24 Abidan son of Gideoni commanded the forces of the tribe of Benjamin. 25 Finally, under the flag of the tribe of Dan, the rear guard of all the camps marched out with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command. 26 Pagiel son of Ocran commanded the forces of the tribe of Asher; 27 Ahira son of Enan commanded the forces of the tribe of Naphtali. 28 These were the marching units of the People of Israel. They were on their way.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 10:11-28
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.