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.

NUMBERS 9:17KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 9:17 (KJV)

What does Numbers 9:17 mean?

Numbers 9:17 describes how the Israelites would set out on their journey whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, and they would set up camp wherever the cloud stopped and settled. The movement and resting of the cloud determined when and where the people traveled or stayed during their time in the wilderness.

This verse is part of a larger section where Moses is explaining to the Israelites how God guided them during their journey from Egypt. The "cloud" represented God's presence, and it rested over the tabernacle—a special tent where the people worshiped. Whenever the cloud moved, it was a clear sign for the people to pack up and follow; when it stopped, they would make camp and stay put until it moved again.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 9:17

  • "cloud" (עָנָן, ʿānān): This word refers to the visible sign of God's presence. In this context, it is not just a weather cloud but a special manifestation that led the people.
  • "tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, ʾōhel): This word means "tent," specifically the sacred tent where God met with Moses and the people. The cloud's position over the tabernacle showed that God's guidance was centered on worship and relationship.
  • "journeyed" (נָסַע, nāsaʿ): This verb means "to pull up" or "set out," often used for breaking camp. It highlights that the people’s movements were not random but directed by God’s signal.
  • "abode" (שָׁכַן, shākan): This verb means "to settle" or "dwell." It is related to the word "Shekinah," often used to describe God's dwelling presence among His people.

Why Numbers 9:17 matters

  • Numbers 9:17 clarifies that the Israelites did not choose their own path or timing; their journey was entirely dependent on God's visible guidance.
  • The verse emphasizes the central role of the tabernacle and God’s presence in the life of the community, showing that worship and obedience were at the heart of their travels.
  • This instruction sets the pattern for the rest of the Israelites' time in the wilderness, showing a repeated cycle of waiting and moving based on God's direction, which is a key theme in the book of Numbers.

Where else these words appear

“cloud” Hebrew H6051 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
  • Numbers 9:18 At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
  • Job 37:11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:

“abode” Hebrew H7931 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:25 For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:
  • Proverbs 10:30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

“tents” Hebrew H2583 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Numbers 33:11 And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
  • Judges 6:33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.

“journeyed” 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 10:25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.