Numbers 9:18 describes the way the Israelites were guided through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"At the commandment of Yahweh...": This phrase emphasizes that the Israelites' movements were not random or based on their own desires. They were directly following God's instructions. "Yahweh" is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible.
"...the children of Israel traveled...": This means when God commanded, the people of Israel would pack up their belongings and journey onward.
"...and at the commandment of Yahweh they encamped.": This means when God commanded, the people of Israel would stop traveling and set up their camp.
"As long as the cloud remained on the tabernacle they remained encamped.": The key to God's commandment was the visible presence of the cloud. The cloud was a physical manifestation of God's presence. The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary where God was worshipped.
If the cloud rested over the Tabernacle, this signified that God wanted them to stay put. They would remain encamped.
When the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, it was the signal that God wanted them to move.
In essence, this verse highlights the total dependence of the Israelites on God's guidance. Their movements (or lack thereof) were entirely dictated by the presence and movement of the cloud over the Tabernacle, which was a visible manifestation of God's will. It demonstrates their faith and obedience in following God's direction, even when they might not understand the reasoning behind it. It emphasizes that God was actively leading them through the wilderness.
Numbers 9:18 describes the way the Israelites were guided through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"At the commandment of Yahweh...": This phrase emphasizes that the Israelites' movements were not random or based on their own desires. They were directly following God's instructions. "Yahweh" is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible.
"...the children of Israel traveled...": This means when God commanded, the people of Israel would pack up their belongings and journey onward.
"...and at the commandment of Yahweh they encamped.": This means when God commanded, the people of Israel would stop traveling and set up their camp.
"As long as the cloud remained on the tabernacle they remained encamped.": The key to God's commandment was the visible presence of the cloud. The cloud was a physical manifestation of God's presence. The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary where God was worshipped.
If the cloud rested over the Tabernacle, this signified that God wanted them to stay put. They would remain encamped.
When the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, it was the signal that God wanted them to move.
In essence, this verse highlights the total dependence of the Israelites on God's guidance. Their movements (or lack thereof) were entirely dictated by the presence and movement of the cloud over the Tabernacle, which was a visible manifestation of God's will. It demonstrates their faith and obedience in following God's direction, even when they might not understand the reasoning behind it. It emphasizes that God was actively leading them through the wilderness.