11 Now in the second year , in the second month , on the twentieth of the month , the cloud was lifted from over the tabernacle of the testimony ; 12 and the sons of Israel set out on their journeys from the wilderness of Sinai . Then the cloud settled down in the wilderness of Paran . 13 So they moved out for the first time according to the commandment of the Lord through Moses . 14 The standard of the camp of the sons of Judah , according to their armies , set out first , with Nahshon the son of Amminadab , over its army , 15 and Nethanel the son of Zuar , over the tribal army of the sons of Issachar ; 16 and Eliab the son of Helon over the tribal army of the sons of Zebulun . 17 Then the tabernacle was taken down ; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari , who were carrying the tabernacle , set out. 18 Next the standard of the camp of Reuben , according to their armies , set out with Elizur the son of Shedeur , over its army , 19 and Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai over the tribal army of the sons of Simeon , 20 and Eliasaph the son of Deuel was over the tribal army of the sons of Gad . 21 Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy objects; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival . 22 Next the standard of the camp of the sons of Ephraim , according to their armies , was set out, with Elishama the son of Ammihud over its army , 23 and Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur over the tribal army of the sons of Manasseh ; 24 and Abidan the son of Gideoni over the tribal army of the sons of Benjamin . 25 Then the standard of the camp of the sons of Dan , according to their armies , which formed the rear guard for all the camps , set out, with Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai over its army , 26 and Pagiel the son of Ochran over the tribal army of the sons of Asher ; 27 and Ahira the son of Enan over the tribal army of the sons of Naphtali . 28 This was the order of march of the sons of Israel by their armies as they set out.
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.