They set out this first timeThis marks the initial movement of the Israelites after receiving the law at Sinai. It signifies a new phase in their journey, transitioning from a stationary camp to a mobile community. The phrase highlights the beginning of their journey towards the Promised Land, emphasizing obedience and readiness. This movement is a fulfillment of God's promise to lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey, as initially promised to Abraham (
Genesis 12:1-3).
according to the LORD’s command
The Israelites' journey was not arbitrary but directed by divine instruction. This underscores the importance of following God's guidance, a theme prevalent throughout the Pentateuch. The command of the LORD was communicated through the cloud by day and fire by night, symbolizing His presence and guidance (Exodus 13:21-22). This obedience to divine command is a precursor to the New Testament teaching of living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
through Moses
Moses, as the mediator between God and the Israelites, plays a crucial role in conveying God's commands. His leadership is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Moses' role here emphasizes the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility of leaders to faithfully communicate God's will to His people. Moses' faithfulness in this task is later commended inHebrews 3:5.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are on their journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land.
2.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, through whom God communicates His commands.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who guides and directs His people.
4.
Mount SinaiThe place where the Israelites received the Law and where they are departing from in this passage.
5.
The Promised LandThe destination of the Israelites, a land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's CommandThe Israelites set out at the LORD's command, illustrating the importance of obedience in our walk with God. Just as they followed God's direction, we are called to heed His Word and guidance in our lives.
Leadership and MediationMoses serves as a mediator between God and the people, pointing to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ. In our spiritual journey, we rely on Christ's leadership and intercession.
Trust in God's TimingThe Israelites moved at God's timing, not their own. This teaches us to trust in God's perfect timing for the events in our lives, even when we do not fully understand His plans.
Journey of FaithThe departure from Sinai marks a significant step in the Israelites' journey of faith. Similarly, our Christian walk is a journey that requires faith, perseverance, and reliance on God's promises.
Community in MovementThe entire community of Israel moved together, highlighting the importance of unity and collective obedience in the body of Christ. We are called to support and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 10:13?
2.How does Numbers 10:13 demonstrate obedience to God's commands in our lives today?
3.What significance does the Israelites' journey hold for our spiritual journey?
4.How can we discern God's guidance as the Israelites did in Numbers 10:13?
5.How does Numbers 10:13 connect with God's promises in Exodus and Deuteronomy?
6.What steps can we take to follow God's direction as seen in Numbers 10:13?
7.What is the significance of the Israelites' journey beginning in Numbers 10:13?
8.How does Numbers 10:13 reflect God's guidance in the Israelites' journey?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Numbers 10:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 10?
11.Who is the author of the Book of Numbers?
12.Numbers 31 compared to earlier laws in Exodus and Leviticus: Why does this narrative's approach to warfare seem inconsistent with other divine commandments?
13.In 1 Chronicles 15:13, David suggests God's anger struck them down for improper Ark transport--why would a just God enact such severe punishment over ritual details?
14.Deuteronomy 3:26 indicates Moses was forbidden to enter the land--how does this affect the credibility of his supposed firsthand account?What Does Numbers 10:13 Mean
They set out• After nearly a year at Sinai, “the cloud lifted” and the camp actually moved (Numbers 10:11-12).
• The phrase reminds us that God’s people are pilgrims, never meant to stay static (Hebrews 11:9-10).
• Movement began only when the silver trumpets sounded (Numbers 10:2; 10:5-6). Obedience required alert ears and willing feet, echoing Jesus’ words, “My sheep listen to My voice” (John 10:27).
• The direction was clear: toward the wilderness of Paran, a place of testing that would expose hearts (Deuteronomy 1:19).
This first time• This was the inaugural march in orderly formation—Judah first, followed by the other tribes (Numbers 10:14-28).
• “First” signals a new chapter: from the revelation at Sinai to the practical outworking of that revelation on the journey (Exodus 19:1 compared withNumbers 10:11).
• New beginnings often come with both excitement and uncertainty; the Lord marks them so we remember His faithfulness (Joshua 4:1-7).
According to the LORD’s command• Every step matched God’s explicit instructions—“Whenever the cloud was lifted… the Israelites would set out” (Numbers 9:17-23).
• God’s commands are protective, not restrictive; His way is “perfect” (Psalm 18:30).
• Following divine guidance ensured provision (manna, water) and protection (Exodus 13:21-22).
• Jesus modeled the same submission: “I do only what the Father has commanded Me” (John 14:31), setting the pattern for our own walks (John 14:15).
Through Moses• The Lord chose to communicate through His appointed servant (Exodus 3:10-12).
• Moses acted as mediator, prefiguring Christ, the greater Mediator who leads us on our journey (Hebrews 3:2-6;1 Timothy 2:5).
• Respect for God-given leadership safeguarded unity and order (Numbers 12:6-8;1 Corinthians 14:40).
• Ignoring or undermining that leadership later brought serious consequences (Numbers 16:1-35).
summaryNumbers 10:13 captures a milestone of trustful movement: God’s people broke camp for the very first time, confident that every mile was mapped out by the Lord, conveyed through His chosen leader. Their obedience turned revelation into action, and the same pattern—listening, rising, and following—remains the heartbeat of faithful discipleship today.
Verse 13. -
Andthey first took theirjourney. The meaning of this is somewhat doubtful. The Septuagint has
ἐξῇρανπρῶτοι, the foremost set out; the Vulgate,
profecti sunt per turmas suas. Perhaps it means, "they journeyed in the order of precedence" assigned to them by their marching orders in chapter 2.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
They set out,וַיִּסְע֖וּ(way·yis·‘ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5265:To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journeythis first time,בָּרִאשֹׁנָ֑ה(bā·ri·šō·nāh)Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7223:First, in place, time, rankaccording toעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe LORD’sיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelcommandפִּ֥י(pî)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according tothroughבְּיַד־(bə·yaḏ-)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027:A handMoses.מֹשֶֽׁה׃(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver
Links
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OT Law: Numbers 10:13 They first went forward according to (Nu Num.) 
