And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee.

NUMBERS 10:35KJV
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Numbers 10:35 (KJV)

What does Numbers 10:35 mean?

Numbers 10:35 describes how, whenever the Israelites set out on their journey, Moses would pray for the LORD to rise up, scatter His enemies, and cause those who hate Him to flee. This verse shows Moses calling on God for protection and victory as the people moved forward with the ark.

Moses is speaking as the leader of Israel, addressing God while the ark (the sacred container of the covenant) is carried ahead of the people. The setting is the wilderness journey, where the Israelites are traveling toward the promised land. Moses’s words reflect trust in God’s power to clear the way and overcome any opposition the people might face.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 10:35

  • "Rise up" (קוּם, qum): This word is often used for standing or taking action. Here, Moses is asking God to actively intervene and lead.
  • "Enemies" (אֹיֵב, oyev): This term refers to those who oppose or threaten Israel, seen as God’s enemies because they stand against His people.
  • "Scattered" (פּוּץ, puts): This word means to disperse or drive apart. Moses prays that God would break up any hostile forces in their path.
  • "Flee" (נוּס, nus): This word means to run away or retreat. Moses asks that those who hate God would not just be defeated, but would actively run from His presence.

Why Numbers 10:35 matters

  • Numbers 10:35 clarifies that Moses saw the journey as a spiritual battle, not just a physical one, and looked to God for victory rather than relying on military strength.
  • The verse highlights the central role of the ark (H727) as a symbol of God’s presence leading the people, not just an object carried along.
  • This prayer frames the Israelites’ travels as moments when God’s power and protection are needed, connecting everyday movement with ongoing dependence on God.

Where else these words appear

“scattered” Hebrew H6327 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 10:18 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.
  • Job 37:11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:
  • Ezekiel 12:15 And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.

“hate” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
  • Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

“forward” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:22 And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.

“flee” Hebrew H5127 · used in 143 verses

  • Genesis 14:10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.
  • Judges 9:21 And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:14 So Joab and the people that were with him drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle; and they fled before him.