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<!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 9:20 Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days, and they would camp at the LORD's command and set out at the LORD's command.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/9-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/04_Num_09_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 9:20 - The Cloud Above the Tabernacle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days, and they would camp at the LORD's command and set out at the LORD's command." /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/9-20.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/9-20.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 20</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="/ad20.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/9-19.htm" title="Numbers 9:19">◄</a> Numbers 9:20 <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm" title="Numbers 9:21">►</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 />Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD&#8217s command they would encamp, and then at his command 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 />Sometimes the cloud would stay over the Tabernacle for only a few days, so the people would stay for only a few days, as the LORD commanded. Then at the LORD’s command they would break camp and move on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the LORD they remained in camp; then according to the command of the LORD they set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days, and they would camp at the LORD’s command and set out at the LORD’s command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And <i>so</i> it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So it was, when the cloud was above the tabernacle a few days: according to the command of the LORD they would remain encamped, and according to the command of the LORD 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 />If sometimes the cloud remained a few days over the tabernacle, in accordance with the command of the LORD they remained camped. Then in accordance with the command of the LORD they set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If sometimes the cloud remained a few days over the tabernacle, according to the command of the LORD they remained camped. Then according to the command of the LORD they set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If sometimes the cloud remained a few days over the tabernacle, according to the command of the LORD they remained camped. Then according to the command of the LORD they set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If sometimes the cloud remained a few days over the tabernacle, according to the command of Yahweh they remained camped. Then according to the command of Yahweh they set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Sometimes the cloud remained only a few days over the tabernacle, and in accordance with the command of the LORD they remained camped. Then at His command they set out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days. They would camp at the LORD’s command and set out at the LORD’s command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days. They would camp at the LORD&#8217s command and set out at the LORD&#8217s command. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And sometimes the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; then according to the commandment of Jehovah they remained encamped, and according to the commandment of Jehovah they journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And sometimes the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; then according to the commandment of the LORD they remained encamped, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The same thing happened when the smoke stayed only a few days over the tent: At the LORD's command they would set up camp, and at his command 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 />Sometimes the cloud remained over the Tent for only a few days; in any case, they remained in camp or moved, according to the command of the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />There were times when the cloud remained over the tent for a number of days. They camped in accordance with the LORD's instructions and they traveled in accordance with LORD'S instructions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a number of days, they remained camped according to the LORD's commandment, and according to the LORD's commandment they would journey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Sometimes the cloud was a few days on the tabernacle; then according to the commandment of the LORD they remained camped, and according to the commandment of the LORD they traveled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days, and they would camp at the LORD’s command and set out at the LORD’s command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Sometimes the cloud was a few days on the tabernacle; then according to the commandment of Yahweh they remained encamped, and according to the commandment of Yahweh 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 />And so when the cloud is over the Dwelling Place [for] a number of days: by the command of YHWH they encamp, and by the command of YHWH they journey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and so when the cloud is a number of days over the tabernacle; by the command of Jehovah they encamp, and by the command of Jehovah they journey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it is, when the cloud shall be days of number upon the dwelling, at the mouth of Jehovah they shall encamp, and at the mouth of Jehovah 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 />For as many days soever as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. At the commandment of the Lord they pitched their tents, and at his commandment they took them down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />during as many days as the cloud remained over the tabernacle. At the command of the Lord they raised their tents, and at his command they took them down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Yet if it happened the cloud was over the tabernacle only for a few days, at the direction of the LORD they stayed in camp; and at the LORD’s direction 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 />Sometimes the cloud would remain a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the LORD they would remain in camp; then according to the command of the LORD 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 />Sometimes the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; then according to the commandment of the LORD they remained in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And there was time when the cloud was fewer days on the Tabernacle; by the word of the mouth of LORD JEHOVAH they stayed and by the word of the mouth of LORD JEHOVAH 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 />And sometimes the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they remained encamped, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it shall be, whenever the cloud overshadows the tabernacle a number of days, they shall encamp by the word of the Lord, and shall remove by the command of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/9-20.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=3197" 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">19</span>Even when the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for many days, the Israelites kept the LORD’s charge and did not set out. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: wə·yêš (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">Sometimes</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></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.">the cloud</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">remained</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/4557.htm" title="4557: mis·pār (N-ms) -- Number, tally. From caphar; a number, definite or indefinite; also narration.">for only a few</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.">days,</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.">and they would camp</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.">at</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">command</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.">and set out</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">at</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">command.</a> </span><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.…<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 40:36-37</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.<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</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/29-43.htm">Exodus 29:43</a></span><br />I will also meet with the Israelites there, and that place will be consecrated by My glory.<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/10-33.htm">Numbers 10:33-34</a></span><br />So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain of the LORD, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD traveling ahead of them for those three days to seek a resting place for them. / And the cloud of the LORD was over them by day when they set out from the camp.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And so it was, when the cloud was a few days on the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they stayed in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Command</a> <a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">Encamp</a> <a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-22.htm">Few</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">House</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-33.htm">Sometimes</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/numbers/4-44.htm">Three</a> <a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Traveled</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/numbers/10-2.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/numbers/9-22.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Command</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Encamp</a> <a href="/numbers/9-22.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/numbers/13-18.htm">Few</a> <a href="/numbers/9-22.htm">House</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/numbers/9-23.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Sometimes</a> <a href="/numbers/9-22.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/9-22.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/numbers/10-33.htm">Three</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Traveled</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>Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days</b><br>The cloud over the tabernacle symbolized God's presence and guidance for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This divine guidance was not bound by human schedules or expectations, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to remain attentive and obedient to God's timing. The cloud's presence for only a few days suggests a period of temporary rest and preparation for the next stage of their journey. This reflects the transient nature of life and the need for reliance on God's direction, as seen in <a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-15</a>, which speaks to the uncertainty of human plans without divine guidance.<p><b>and they would camp at the LORD’s command</b><br>The Israelites' obedience to camp at the LORD's command highlights their dependence on divine instruction. This obedience is a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch, where the Israelites are called to follow God's laws and commands. The act of camping at God's command signifies trust in His provision and protection, reminiscent of the faith demonstrated by Abraham in <a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-4</a> when he left his homeland at God's instruction. This obedience is a precursor to the New Testament call for believers to live by faith, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>.<p><b>and set out at the LORD’s command</b><br>Setting out at the LORD's command underscores the Israelites' readiness to move forward in their journey whenever God directed. This readiness to follow God's lead is a model of faith and trust, akin to the disciples' response to Jesus' call in <a href="/matthew/4-19.htm">Matthew 4:19-20</a>. The movement of the Israelites parallels the Christian journey of faith, where believers are called to follow Christ's leading, often without knowing the full path ahead. This phrase also foreshadows the Great Commission in <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>, where Jesus commands His followers to go and make disciples, emphasizing the importance of obedience to divine direction.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The 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 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 visible manifestation of God's presence and guidance. It covered the tabernacle and signaled when the Israelites should camp or move.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who communicated God's commands to the people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness_journey.htm">The Wilderness Journey</a></b><br>The period of wandering in the desert, during which the Israelites were tested and taught reliance on God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_divine_guidance.htm">Obedience to Divine Guidance</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites followed the cloud, we are called to obey God's guidance in our lives, even when it requires patience and trust.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_our_journey.htm">God's Presence in Our Journey</a></b><br>The cloud over the tabernacle symbolizes God's presence. We can be assured of His presence with us through the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/flexibility_in_god's_timing.htm">Flexibility in God's Timing</a></b><br>The Israelites had to be ready to move or stay based on God's command. We should be flexible and responsive to God's timing in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_uncertainty.htm">Trust in Uncertainty</a></b><br>The Israelites did not know how long they would stay in one place. Similarly, we must trust God even when the future is uncertain.<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_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/is_there_non-biblical_proof_of_god's_signals.htm">Numbers 9:23: Is there any corroboration outside the biblical text that God dictated every encampment and departure, and why are such direct divine signals not documented elsewhere?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_ark_move_yet_stay_put.htm">Numbers 10:33-36: How does the Ark of the Covenant traveling alongside them here reconcile with other passages where the Ark seems to remain stationary?</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>(20) <span class= "bld">And so it was . . . --</span>Better, <span class= "ital">And sometimes, </span>&c., i.e., there were times or occasions in which, &c. So in <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm" title="And so it was, when the cloud stayed from even to the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.">Numbers 9:21</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And so it was.</span> Rather, "did it happen that." <span class="hebrew">וְיֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר</span> hypothetical clause introducing several other cases which actually occurred, and by which their perfect obedience was proved. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/9-20.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">Sometimes</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיֵ֞שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> </span><span class="str2">Being, substance, existence, is</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the cloud</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶֽעָנָ֛ן</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">יִהְיֶ֧ה</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</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">הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן</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">for only a few</span><br /><span class="heb">מִסְפָּ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(mis·pār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4557.htm">Strong's 4557: </a> </span><span class="str2">A number, definite, indefinite, narration</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<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">and they would camp</span><br /><span class="heb">יַחֲנ֔וּ</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">at</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 LORD’s</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">command</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and 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 /><br /><span class="word">at</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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 LORD’s</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">command.</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/9-20.htm">Numbers 9:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/9-20.htm">Numbers 9:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/9-20.htm">Numbers 9:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/9-20.htm">Numbers 9:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/9-20.htm">Numbers 9:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/9-20.htm">Numbers 9:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/9-20.htm">Numbers 9:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/9-20.htm">Numbers 9:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/9-20.htm">Numbers 9:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/9-20.htm">Numbers 9:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/9-20.htm">OT Law: Numbers 9:20 Sometimes the cloud was a few days (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/9-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 9:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 9:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/9-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 9:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 9:21" /></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>