Keraia
Numbers 10

Numbers 10:25

From Sinai to Paran · Numbers 10:11–36
Read Numbers 10

Translations

Modern
Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out under their standard, serving as the rear guard for all units, with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And the standard of the camp of the sons of Dan set out, the rear guard of all the camps, according to their armies, and over their army was Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai.
Latin
Novissimi castrorum omnium profecti sunt filii Dan per turmas suas, in quorum exercitu princeps fuit Ahiezer filius Ammisaddai.

Original

Hebrew
English
Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out under their standard, serving as the rear guard for all units, with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command.

Notes

Numbers 10:13–28

The order of march described here is different from 2:3–34. There, all three Levitical clans carried the tabernacle and its furnishings in the center of the camp. They marched between the groups led by Judah and Reuben, and the groups led by Ephraim and Dan.

In this passage, the arrangement is more detailed. The Gershonites and Merarites carried the structural parts of the tabernacle between Judah and Reuben. The Kohathites carried the most sacred furniture between Reuben and Ephraim.

This arrangement was practical. It gave the Gershonites and Merarites time to set up the tabernacle before the Kohathites arrived with the sacred objects. This plan also provided protection for the holy items.

In addition, this pattern spread the Levites among the tribes. Their presence among the people may have strengthened spiritual influence throughout the camp (compare Matthew 13:33; 16:6, 11–12; 1 Corinthians 5:6–7).

Numbers 10:11–36

Leaving Sinai was a key moment in Israel's history. The Israelites now had the law and God would test them on how they obeyed it. The departure from Sinai marked the start of the march toward Canaan, although it became a long journey (compare Deuteronomy 1:6–8, 19). This passage summarizes the daily routines during the journey.

Theme notes and profiles

The Cloud and Fire

People

Ahiezer: Leader from the tribe of Dan during the Exodus Ammishaddai: Father of Ahiezer, leader of Dan

Places

Dan: Israelite tribe; city in northern Israel; originally called Laish/Leshem

Glossary

Ahiezer Ammishaddai Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Genealogy God, Names of Midian, Midianite Numbers, Book of Tribe of Dan

Topics

Armies: March in Ranks: Standards Israel: March out of the Wilderness Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Order of Marching During the Tribe of Asher: The Centre of the Fourth Division of Israel in Its Journeys the Tribe of Dan: Led the Fourth and Last Division of Israel the Tribe of Naphtali: The Rear of the Fourth Division of Israel in Their Journeys The Tribes of Israel: Divided Into Four Divisions While in the Wilderness Tribe of Dan: Position of, in Journey and Camp, During the Exodus Tribe of Naphtali: Position Assigned To, in Camping and in Marching