CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 9:22 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/9-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/04_Num_09_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 9:22 - The Cloud Above the Tabernacle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/9-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/9-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/9-21.htm" title="Numbers 9:21">◄</a> Numbers 9:22 <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm" title="Numbers 9:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Or <i>whether it were</i> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>Whether it was</i> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Whether it was two days or 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Whether it was two days or 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Whether it was two days or a month or a year that the cloud lingered over the tabernacle, dwelling above it, the sons of Israel remained camped and did not set out; but when it was lifted, they did set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Whether it was two days or a month or a year that the cloud [of the LORD’S presence] lingered over the tabernacle, staying above it, the Israelites remained camped and did not set out; but when it was lifted, they set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, abiding thereon, the children of Israel remained encamped, and journeyed not; but when it was taken up, they journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, abiding thereon, the children of Israel remained encamped, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whether it was two days, a month, or a year, as long as the [column of] smoke stayed over the tent, the Israelites would stay in the same place and not break camp. But when the smoke moved, they would break camp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Whether it was two days, a month, a year, or longer, as long as the cloud remained over the Tent, they did not move on; but when it lifted, they moved. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whether for two days, a month, or for longer periods, whenever the cloud would remain above the tent, the Israelis would remain in camp, not traveling. But whenever it ascended, then they would travel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Whether it was for two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud prolonged its stay over the tabernacle, the Israelites remained camped without traveling; but when it was taken up, they traveled on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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 camped, and did not travel; but when it was taken up, they traveled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Or whether it was two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining upon it, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whether two days, or a month, or days, in the cloud prolonging itself over the Dwelling Place, to dwell over it, the sons of Israel encamp and do not journey; and in its being lifted up they journey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whether two days, or a month, or days, in the cloud prolonging itself over the tabernacle, to tabernacle over it, the sons of Israel encamp, and journey not; and in its being lifted up they journey;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Or days, or a month, or days, in the prolonging of the cloud upon the dwelling to dwell upon it, the sons of Israel shall encamp, and they shall not remove; and in its going up they shall remove.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But if it remained over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a longer time, the children of Israel remained in the same place, and marched not: but immediately as soon as it departed, they removed the camp. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Yet truly, whether it remained over the tabernacle for two days, or one month, or a longer time, the sons of Israel remained in the same place, and they did not set out. Then, as soon as it withdrew, they moved the camp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whether the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for two days or for a month or longer, the Israelites remained in camp and did not break camp; but when it lifted, they broke camp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, resting upon it, the Israelites would remain in camp and would not set out; but when it lifted they would set out.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And whether it was a few days or months or a year, as long as the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, resting thereon, the children of Israel remained in their tents and journeyed not; but when the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Or days or months or time to time, however long the cloud was remaining on the Tabernacle, so the children of Israel remained and they did not pick up, and whenever the cloud went up, they picked up.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, abiding thereon, the children of Israel remained encamped, and journeyed not; but when it was taken up, they journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />When the cloud continues a full month overshadowing the tabernacle, the children of Israel shall encamp, and shall not depart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/9-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=3221" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/9.htm">The Cloud Above the Tabernacle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they would set out. Whether it was by day or by night, when the cloud was taken up, they would set out. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw- (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">Whether</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw- (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/748.htm" title="748: bə·ha·’ă·rîḵ (Prep-b:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To be long. A primitive root; to be long.">the cloud lingered</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yō·ma·yim (N-md) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">for two days,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2320.htm" title="2320: ḥō·ḏeš (N-ms) -- New moon, a month. From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month.">a month,</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw- (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">or longer,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2583.htm" title="2583: ya·ḥă·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; by implication, to decline; specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. To encamp.">camped</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5265.htm" title="5265: yis·sā·‘ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To pull out or up, set out, journey. A primitive root; properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. Start on a journey.">set out</a> <a href="/hebrew/6051.htm" title="6051: he·‘ā·nān (Art:: N-ms) -- A cloud mass, cloud. From anan; a cloud, i.e. The nimbus or thunder-cloud.">as long as the cloud</a> <a href="/hebrew/7931.htm" title="7931: liš·kōn (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root (by transmission) to shakab through the idea of lodging; compare cikluwth, shakam); to reside or permanently stay.">remained</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/4908.htm" title="4908: ham·miš·kān (Art:: N-ms) -- Dwelling place, tabernacle. From shakan; a residence; specifically, the Tabernacle.">the tabernacle;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ū·ḇə·hê·‘ā·lō·ṯōw (Conj-w, Prep-b:: V-Nifal-Inf:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">but when it was lifted,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5265.htm" title="5265: yis·sā·‘ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To pull out or up, set out, journey. A primitive root; properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. Start on a journey.">they would set out.</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>They camped at the LORD’s command, and they set out at the LORD’s command; they carried out the LORD’s charge according to His command through Moses.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/40-36.htm">Exodus 40:36-38</a></span><br />Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. / If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. / For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-19.htm">Nehemiah 9:19</a></span><br />You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-14.htm">Psalm 78:14</a></span><br />He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-39.htm">Psalm 105:39</a></span><br />He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21-22</a></span><br />And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-33.htm">Deuteronomy 1:33</a></span><br />who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-1.htm">1 Corinthians 10:1-2</a></span><br />I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-19.htm">Exodus 14:19-20</a></span><br />And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, / so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/33-9.htm">Exodus 33:9-10</a></span><br />As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. / When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his own tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/4-5.htm">Isaiah 4:5</a></span><br />Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/16-10.htm">Exodus 16:10</a></span><br />And as Aaron was speaking to the whole congregation of Israel, they looked toward the desert, and there in a cloud the glory of the LORD appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-16.htm">Exodus 24:16-18</a></span><br />and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. / And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites. / Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/10-11.htm">Numbers 10:11-12</a></span><br />On the twentieth day of the second month of the second year, the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle of the Testimony, / and the Israelites set out from the Wilderness of Sinai, traveling from place to place until the cloud settled in the Wilderness of Paran.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/14-14.htm">Numbers 14:14</a></span><br />And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have already heard that You, O LORD, are in the midst of this people, that You, O LORD, have been seen face to face, that Your cloud stands over them, and that You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/16-42.htm">Numbers 16:42</a></span><br />But when the congregation gathered against them, Moses and Aaron turned toward the Tent of Meeting, and suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried on the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel stayed in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.</p><p class="hdg">abode</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/9-17.htm">Numbers 9:17</a></b></br> And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/1-54.htm">Numbers 1:54</a></b></br> And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/8-20.htm">Numbers 8:20</a></b></br> And Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, did to the Levites according unto all that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did the children of Israel unto them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/3-15.htm">Abiding</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/numbers/9-20.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/numbers/9-20.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/numbers/9-20.htm">House</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Lingered</a> <a href="/numbers/9-11.htm">Month</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-46.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-52.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/numbers/9-17.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/exodus/8-22.htm">Staying</a> <a href="/numbers/9-20.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Tarried</a> <a href="/numbers/9-20.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/numbers/5-15.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Time</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Travel</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Traveled</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-52.htm">Year</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/24-2.htm">Abiding</a> <a href="/numbers/10-12.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/numbers/10-14.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/10-11.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/numbers/21-16.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/numbers/10-17.htm">House</a> <a href="/numbers/10-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/10-12.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/judges/3-26.htm">Lingered</a> <a href="/numbers/10-11.htm">Month</a> <a href="/numbers/10-2.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/numbers/21-35.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/numbers/10-12.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/numbers/25-1.htm">Staying</a> <a href="/numbers/10-3.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/judges/3-25.htm">Tarried</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/numbers/16-18.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/numbers/10-6.htm">Time</a> <a href="/numbers/12-15.htm">Travel</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Traveled</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/numbers/10-6.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/ezra/4-24.htm">Year</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/9-1.htm">The Passover is again commanded</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/9-6.htm">A second Passover for the unclean or absent</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">The cloud directs the removals and encampments of the Israelites</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Whether the cloud lingered for two days, a month, or longer</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the unpredictability and divine control over the Israelites' journey. The cloud represents God's presence and guidance, a recurring theme in the wilderness narrative. The duration of the cloud's presence, whether short or extended, underscores the need for the Israelites to trust in God's timing and provision. This reliance on divine guidance is a test of faith and obedience, reflecting the broader biblical principle of waiting on the Lord (<a href="/psalms/27-14.htm">Psalm 27:14</a>). The cloud's presence is a physical manifestation of God's covenant with Israel, similar to the pillar of fire and cloud that led them out of Egypt (<a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21-22</a>).<p><b>the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle</b><br>The Israelites' encampment was directly tied to the cloud's position over the tabernacle, the central place of worship and God's dwelling among His people. This highlights the importance of the tabernacle as the focal point of Israel's spiritual life and community. The obedience to remain camped signifies submission to God's authority and a communal commitment to His commands. This obedience is mirrored in the New Testament call for believers to abide in Christ (<a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4-5</a>), emphasizing a life led by the Spirit rather than personal ambition or timing.<p><b>but when it was lifted, they would set out</b><br>The lifting of the cloud signaled the time for the Israelites to move, demonstrating God's active role in directing their journey. This movement is symbolic of the Christian journey of faith, where believers are called to follow God's leading, often into unknown or challenging circumstances. The lifting of the cloud can be seen as a type of Christ's ascension, where He promises the Holy Spirit to guide and direct His followers (<a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Acts 1:9-11</a>). The readiness to set out upon the cloud's lifting reflects a readiness to act upon God's call, akin to the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>), where believers are sent out to make disciples.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who were journeying through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. They were learning to trust and obey God's guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a></b><br>The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites. It was central to their worship and community life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cloud.htm">The Cloud</a></b><br>A manifestation of God's presence and guidance. It was a visible sign that directed the Israelites when to camp and when to move.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who communicated God's instructions to the people and ensured they followed the divine guidance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a></b><br>The setting for the Israelites' journey, representing both physical and spiritual challenges as they learned to rely on God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance.htm">Divine Guidance</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites relied on the cloud for direction, believers today are called to seek and follow God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/patience_and_trust.htm">Patience and Trust</a></b><br>The Israelites had to wait on God's timing, whether the cloud lingered for days or years. Similarly, Christians are encouraged to trust in God's perfect timing in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_will.htm">Obedience to God's Will</a></b><br>The Israelites' journey was marked by obedience to God's commands. Believers are reminded of the importance of aligning their actions with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_worship.htm">Community and Worship</a></b><br>The centrality of the tabernacle in the Israelites' camp underscores the importance of communal worship and fellowship in the life of a believer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_uncertainty.htm">Faith in Uncertainty</a></b><br>The wilderness journey was filled with uncertainty, yet the Israelites were called to have faith. Christians are encouraged to maintain faith even when the path ahead is unclear.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_differing_census_counts.htm">Numbers 3 - How do we reconcile these population figures with other biblical passages that present different census counts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_a_nation_follow_a_cloud_smoothly.htm">Numbers 9:17-20: How could an entire nation coordinate travel solely based on a cloud's movement without creating significant logistical issues or leaving substantial archaeological traces?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_historical_account_of_tabernacle_cloud.htm">Numbers 9:15-16: Do we have any natural or historical explanation for a persistent cloud and fire over the Tabernacle, and why is there no parallel account outside the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_pillar_of_cloud_and_fire.htm">What is the Pillar of Cloud and Fire?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) <span class= "bld">Or a year.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">days </span>(comp. <a href="/genesis/4-3.htm" title="And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering to the LORD.">Genesis 4:3</a>; <a href="/genesis/40-4.htm" title="And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.">Genesis 40:4</a>, and Notes). If the rendering of the Authorised Version, "a year," is correct, as it probably is, it will follow that these words could not have been written until after the first arrival at Kadesh (<a href="/numbers/13-26.htm" title="And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, to the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word to them, and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land.">Numbers 13:26</a>), and probably not until after the end of the wanderings in the wilderness. The elaborate manner in which the statement is made and repeated in almost identical terms shows the great importance which the writer ascribed to the Divine guardianship which was exercised over the Israelites, and to their submission to the miraculous guidance which was given to them.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Or a year.</span> Rather, "days" (<span class="accented">yamin</span>): an undefined period (<a href="/genesis/4-3.htm">Genesis 4:3</a>; <a href="/genesis/40-4.htm">Genesis 40:4</a>), often equivalent to a year (<a href="/leviticus/25-29.htm">Leviticus 25:29</a>). It is not known whether or on what occasion the Israelites actually remained in camp for a year. But it is evident that this passage must have been written after the wanderings were over, because it is a kind of retrospect of the whole period as regards one important feature of it. It may of course have been added here by the hand of Moses on the eve of entry upon the promised land: or it may have been added by a later hand, perhaps that of Ezra when he revised these books (see the Introduction). <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/9-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Whether</span><br /><span class="heb">אֽוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(’ōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, if</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the cloud] lingered</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּהַאֲרִ֨יךְ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ha·’ă·rîḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_748.htm">Strong's 748: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, long</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for two days,</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹמַ֜יִם</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a month,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹ֣דֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·ḏeš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2320.htm">Strong's 2320: </a> </span><span class="str2">The new moon, a month</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or longer,</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(’ōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, if</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנֵֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">camped</span><br /><span class="heb">יַחֲנ֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ya·ḥă·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">set out</span><br /><span class="heb">יִסָּ֑עוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yis·sā·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5265.htm">Strong's 5265: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as long as the cloud</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶעָנָ֤ן</span> <span class="translit">(he·‘ā·nān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6051.htm">Strong's 6051: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">remained</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁכֹּ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(liš·kōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7931.htm">Strong's 7931: </a> </span><span class="str2">To settle down, abide, dwell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the tabernacle;</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miš·kān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4908.htm">Strong's 4908: </a> </span><span class="str2">A residence, the Tabernacle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but when it was lifted,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְהֵעָלֹת֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·hê·‘ā·lō·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they would set out.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִסָּֽעוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yis·sā·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5265.htm">Strong's 5265: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/9-22.htm">Numbers 9:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/9-22.htm">Numbers 9:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/9-22.htm">Numbers 9:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/9-22.htm">Numbers 9:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/9-22.htm">Numbers 9:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/9-22.htm">Numbers 9:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/9-22.htm">Numbers 9:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/9-22.htm">Numbers 9:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/9-22.htm">Numbers 9:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/9-22.htm">Numbers 9:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/9-22.htm">OT Law: Numbers 9:22 Whether it was two days (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/9-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 9:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 9:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/9-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 9:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 9:23" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>