Numbers 10:36 describes a prayer Moses would offer when the Ark of the Covenant came to rest during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness. Let's break down its meaning:
"When it rested..." This refers to the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was a sacred chest that housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments and was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. It was carried during their journeys and set down when they made camp.
"he said..." This indicates that Moses, the leader of the Israelites, was the one who recited this prayer.
“Return, Yahweh..." "Yahweh" is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. "Return" implies that God was going before the people and now coming back to rest among them. It acknowledges God's active leading and presence.
"...to the ten thousands of the thousands of Israel.” This is a way of expressing a vast multitude. "Ten thousands of the thousands" is a hyperbolic way of saying "millions upon millions." It emphasizes the immense number of Israelites and asks for God's presence and protection over the entire nation.
In summary, the verse means:
When the Ark, symbolizing God's presence, came to rest, Moses would pray that God would return and remain with the countless multitude of Israel. It's a prayer for God's presence, protection, and blessing upon the entire nation as they paused in their journey.
Theological Implications:
God's Presence: The verse highlights the importance of God's presence among the Israelites. They believed that God's presence with them was essential for their success and well-being.
God's Leadership: The Ark led the way, signifying God's active role in guiding the Israelites.
God's Rest: The prayer acknowledges that God rests with His people. This suggests that God provides them with peace and security.
Blessing and Protection: The prayer is a plea for God's blessing and protection over the entire nation of Israel.
This verse, alongside Numbers 10:35 (which is the prayer said when the Ark set out), provides a bookend to their travels each day and emphasizes the importance of God's presence and leadership throughout their journey. They recognized that their success and safety depended entirely on God.
Numbers 10:36 describes a prayer Moses would offer when the Ark of the Covenant came to rest during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness. Let's break down its meaning:
"When it rested..." This refers to the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was a sacred chest that housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments and was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. It was carried during their journeys and set down when they made camp.
"he said..." This indicates that Moses, the leader of the Israelites, was the one who recited this prayer.
“Return, Yahweh..." "Yahweh" is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. "Return" implies that God was going before the people and now coming back to rest among them. It acknowledges God's active leading and presence.
"...to the ten thousands of the thousands of Israel.” This is a way of expressing a vast multitude. "Ten thousands of the thousands" is a hyperbolic way of saying "millions upon millions." It emphasizes the immense number of Israelites and asks for God's presence and protection over the entire nation.
In summary, the verse means:
When the Ark, symbolizing God's presence, came to rest, Moses would pray that God would return and remain with the countless multitude of Israel. It's a prayer for God's presence, protection, and blessing upon the entire nation as they paused in their journey.
Theological Implications:
God's Presence: The verse highlights the importance of God's presence among the Israelites. They believed that God's presence with them was essential for their success and well-being.
God's Leadership: The Ark led the way, signifying God's active role in guiding the Israelites.
God's Rest: The prayer acknowledges that God rests with His people. This suggests that God provides them with peace and security.
Blessing and Protection: The prayer is a plea for God's blessing and protection over the entire nation of Israel.
This verse, alongside Numbers 10:35 (which is the prayer said when the Ark set out), provides a bookend to their travels each day and emphasizes the importance of God's presence and leadership throughout their journey. They recognized that their success and safety depended entirely on God.