Numbers 10:13
New International Version
They set out, this first time, at the LORD’s command through Moses.

New Living Translation
When the people set out for the first time, following the instructions the LORD had given through Moses,

English Standard Version
They set out for the first time at the command of the LORD by Moses.

Berean Standard Bible
They set out this first time according to the LORD’s command through Moses.

Berean Literal Bible
And they set out at the first according to the mouth of YHWH by the hand of Moses.

King James Bible
And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

New King James Version
So they started out for the first time according to the command of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

New American Standard Bible
So they moved on for the first time in accordance with the command of the LORD through Moses.

NASB 1995
So they moved out for the first time according to the commandment of the LORD through Moses.

NASB 1977
So they moved out for the first time according to the commandment of the LORD through Moses.

Legacy Standard Bible
So they moved out for the first time according to the command of Yahweh by the hand of Moses.

Amplified Bible
So they moved out for the first time in accordance with the command of the LORD through Moses.

Berean Annotated Bible
They set out this first time according to the LORD’s {YHWH} command through Moses (drawn out).

Christian Standard Bible
They set out for the first time according to the LORD’s command through Moses.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They set out for the first time according to the LORD’s command through Moses.

American Standard Version
And they first took their journey according to the commandment of Jehovah by Moses.

Contemporary English Version
This was the first time the LORD had told Moses to command the people of Israel to move on.

English Revised Version
And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This was the first time they moved, following the command that the LORD had given through Moses.

Good News Translation
They began to march at the command of the LORD through Moses,

International Standard Version
doing what the LORD had said through Moses.

NET Bible
This was the first time they set out on their journey according to the commandment of the LORD, by the authority of Moses.

New Heart English Bible
They first went forward according to the commandment of the LORD by Moses.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
They set out this first time according to the LORD’s command through Moses.

World English Bible
They first went forward according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they journey at first by the command of YHWH in the hand of Moses.

Berean Literal Bible
And they set out at the first according to the mouth of YHWH by the hand of Moses.

Young's Literal Translation
and they journey at first, by the command of Jehovah, in the hand of Moses.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will remove first, at the mouth of Jehovah, by the hand of Moses.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the first went forward according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the first to move their camp, according to the command of the Lord by the hand of Moses,

New American Bible
The first time that they broke camp at the direction of the LORD through Moses,

New Revised Standard Version
They set out for the first time at the command of the LORD by Moses.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they took their journey for the first time according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they picked up first at the word of the mouth of LORD JEHOVAH by the agency of Moshe.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they took their first journey, according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the first rank departed by the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
From Sinai to Paran
12and the Israelites set out from the Wilderness of Sinai, traveling from place to place until the cloud settled in the Wilderness of Paran. 13They set out this first time according to the LORD’s command through Moses. 14First, the divisions of the camp of Judah set out under their standard, with Nahshon son of Amminadab in command.…

Cross References
They set out this first time

Numbers 2:9
The total number of men in the divisions of the camp of Judah is 186,400; they shall set out first.

Numbers 2:17
In the middle of the camps, the Tent of Meeting is to travel with the camp of the Levites. They are to set out in the order they encamped, each in his own place under his standard.

Deuteronomy 1:6
The LORD our God said to us at Horeb: “You have stayed at this mountain long enough.
according to the LORD’s command

Numbers 9:23
They camped at the LORD’s command, and they set out at the LORD’s command; they carried out the LORD’s charge according to His command through Moses.

Exodus 40:16
Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.

Leviticus 8:4
So Moses did as the LORD had commanded him, and the assembly gathered at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
through Moses.

Numbers 4:49
At the LORD’s command through Moses they were numbered, and each one was assigned his work and burden, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Exodus 24:3
When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.”

Leviticus 27:34
These are the commandments that the LORD gave to Moses for the Israelites on Mount Sinai.
Exodus 40:36-38
Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. / If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. / For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.

Deuteronomy 1:33
who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

Nehemiah 9:19
You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.

Psalm 78:14
He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night.

Psalm 105:39
He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.

Isaiah 63:12-14
who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, / who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble? / Like cattle going down to the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make for Yourself a glorious name.

Acts 7:38-39
He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us. / But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.


Treasury of Scripture

And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Numbers 9:23
At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Jump to Previous
Command Commandment Hand Journey Time
Jump to Next
Command Commandment Hand Journey Time
Numbers 10
1. The use of the silver trumpets
11. The Israelites move from Sinai to Paran
14. The order of their march
29. Hobab is entreated by Moses not to leave them
33. The blessing of Moses at the removing and resting of the ark












They set out this first time
This 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 in Hebrews 3:5.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are on their journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land.

2. Moses
The 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 Sinai
The place where the Israelites received the Law and where they are departing from in this passage.

5. The Promised Land
The destination of the Israelites, a land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Command
The 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 Mediation
Moses 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 Timing
The 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 Faith
The 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 Movement
The 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 with Numbers 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).


summary

Numbers 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. - And they first took their journey. The meaning of this is somewhat doubtful. The Septuagint has ἐξῇραν πρῶτοι, 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, journey

this first time,
בָּרִאשֹׁנָ֑ה (bā·ri·šō·nāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

according to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the LORD’s
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

command
פִּ֥י (pî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

through
בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

Moses.
מֹשֶֽׁה׃ (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver


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OT Law: Numbers 10:13 They first went forward according to (Nu Num.)
Numbers 10:12
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