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.

NUMBERS 9:20KJV
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Numbers 9:20 (KJV)

What does Numbers 9:20 mean?

Numbers 9:20 describes how the Israelites stayed at their camp near the tabernacle for a few days whenever the cloud remained there, and only moved on when God, through the cloud, directed them to do so. The people waited for God’s command both to stay and to travel, showing their dependence on His guidance.

In this verse, Moses is recounting to the Israelites how their journey through the wilderness was directed by God’s visible presence—a cloud over the tabernacle. The “commandment of the LORD” meant that every decision about camping or traveling was based on God’s instruction, not their own plans. This verse highlights the careful obedience of the people to God’s timing, even if it meant waiting for just a short period.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 9:20

  • “Cloud” (עָנָן, ʿānān): This word refers to the visible sign of God’s presence over the tabernacle. The cloud was not just weather, but a symbol of divine leadership.
  • “Tabernacle” (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): The tabernacle was the portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites. Its central role here shows that the people’s movements revolved around God’s presence.
  • “Commandment” (פִּי, pi): This word literally means “mouth,” often understood as “at the mouth of” or “by the command of” the LORD. It emphasizes that the people waited for God’s direct instruction, not just a general rule.
  • “Abode” (חָנָה, chanah) and “journeyed” (נָסַע, nasaʿ): These words highlight the two possible actions—staying put or setting out—always determined by God’s direction.

Why Numbers 9:20 matters

  • Numbers 9:20 clarifies that the Israelites did not move on their own schedule, but responded to God’s specific guidance, even if the wait was only for a few days.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and patience, showing that God’s timing could be unpredictable and required trust.
  • This detail connects to the larger narrative of Numbers 9, where the cloud’s movements governed the rhythm of Israel’s journey, reinforcing the theme of God’s active leadership in their daily lives.

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 9:17 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.
  • Job 37:11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:

“was” Hebrew H3426 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 18:24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
  • 1 Samuel 23:23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where he hideth himself, and come ye again to me with the certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall come to pass, if he be in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.
  • Psalms 135:17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.

“few” Hebrew H4557 · used in 129 verses

  • Genesis 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
  • Deuteronomy 33:6 Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.
  • Ezra 3:4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:17 And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?