Numbers 9:17
New International Version
Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped.

New Living Translation
Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp.

English Standard Version
And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped.

Berean Standard Bible
Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, after that the children of Israel would journey; and in the place where the cloud settled, there the children of Israel would pitch their tents.

New American Standard Bible
Whenever the cloud was lifted from over the tent, afterward the sons of Israel would set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the sons of Israel would camp.

NASB 1995
Whenever the cloud was lifted from over the tent, afterward the sons of Israel would then set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the sons of Israel would camp.

NASB 1977
And whenever the cloud was lifted from over the tent, afterward the sons of Israel would then set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the sons of Israel would camp.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now whenever the cloud would go up from over the tent, afterward the sons of Israel would then set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the sons of Israel would camp.

Amplified Bible
Whenever the cloud was lifted from over the tent (tabernacle), afterward the Israelites would set out; and in the place where the cloud stopped, there the Israelites would camp.

Christian Standard Bible
Whenever the cloud was lifted up above the tent, the Israelites would set out; at the place where the cloud stopped, there the Israelites camped.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Whenever the cloud was lifted up above the tent, the Israelites would set out; at the place where the cloud stopped, there the Israelites camped.

American Standard Version
And whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel encamped.

English Revised Version
And whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel encamped.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whenever the smoke moved from the tent, the Israelites would break camp, and wherever it stopped, the Israelites would set up camp.

Good News Translation
Whenever the cloud lifted, the people of Israel broke camp, and they set up camp again in the place where the cloud came down.

International Standard Version
Whenever the cloud above the tent ascended, the Israelis would travel and encamp in the place where the cloud settled.

Majority Standard Bible
Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp.

NET Bible
Whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the Israelites would begin their journey; and in whatever place the cloud settled, there the Israelites would make camp.

New Heart English Bible
Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel traveled; and in the place where the cloud remained, there the children of Israel camped.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel traveled; and in the place where the cloud remained, there the children of Israel encamped.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And according to the going up of the cloud from off the tent, then afterward the sons of Israel journey; and in the place where the cloud dwells, there the sons of Israel encamp;

Young's Literal Translation
And according to the going up of the cloud from off the tent and afterwards do the sons of Israel journey; and in the place where the cloud doth tabernacle, there do the sons of Israel encamp;

Smith's Literal Translation
And when the cloud went up from the tent, and after this the sons of Israel shall remove: and in the place where the cloud shall dwell there, there shall the sons of Israel encamp.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the cloud that covered the tabernacle was taken up, then the children of Israel marched forward: and in the place where the cloud stood still, there they camped.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the cloud that was protecting the tabernacle had been taken up, then the sons of Israel advanced forward, and in the place where the cloud had remained standing, there they made camp.

New American Bible
Whenever the cloud rose from the tent, the Israelites would break camp; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites would pitch camp.

New Revised Standard Version
Whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, then the Israelites would set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the Israelites would camp.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, after that the children of Israel journeyed and at the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel encamped.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the cloud was ascending from the Tabernacle, after this the children of Israel were picking up and in the place where the cloud abode on it, there the children of Israel pitched camp.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel journeyed; and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel encamped.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And when the cloud went up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel departed; and in whatever place the cloud rested, there the children of Israel encamped.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Cloud Above the Tabernacle
16It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire. 17Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. 18At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped. As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle, they remained encamped.…

Cross References
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.

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.

Exodus 13:21-22
And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.

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.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

Exodus 14:19-20
And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, / so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.

Exodus 33:9-10
As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. / When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his own tent.

Isaiah 4:5
Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy,

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Revelation 7:15
For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.

Revelation 21:3
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.

1 Kings 8:10-11
And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.

Ezekiel 10:3-4
Now when the man went in, the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple, and a cloud filled the inner court. / Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and stood over the threshold of the temple. The temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

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 stayed, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.

when the cloud

Numbers 10:11,33,34
And it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony…

Exodus 40:36-38
And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: …

Psalm 80:1,2
To the chief Musician upon ShoshannimEduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth…

and in the

Exodus 33:14,15
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest…

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Psalm 73:24
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

Jump to Previous
Abode Afterward Camp Children Cloud Encamped House Israel Israelites Journey Journeyed Journeying Lifted Pitched Rest Rose Settled Stood Tabernacle Tent Tents Traveled Whenever Wherever
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Abode Afterward Camp Children Cloud Encamped House Israel Israelites Journey Journeyed Journeying Lifted Pitched Rest Rose Settled Stood Tabernacle Tent Tents Traveled Whenever Wherever
Numbers 9
1. The Passover is again commanded
6. A second Passover for the unclean or absent
15. The cloud directs the removals and encampments of the Israelites














Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent
The cloud represents the presence and guidance of God among the Israelites. This divine guidance was crucial during their journey through the wilderness. The Tent refers to the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among His people. The lifting of the cloud signified that it was time for the Israelites to move. This movement was not random but directed by God, emphasizing His sovereignty and the importance of obedience to His commands. The cloud's presence is reminiscent of the pillar of cloud and fire that led the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 13:21-22), symbolizing God's continual presence and protection.

the Israelites would set out
The Israelites' journey was a physical manifestation of their spiritual journey and dependence on God. Their readiness to move at God's command reflects their trust and faith in His provision and timing. This obedience is a recurring theme in the wilderness narrative, highlighting the importance of following God's lead. The act of setting out also signifies a break from the past and a step towards the Promised Land, a journey of faith and transformation.

and wherever the cloud settled
The settling of the cloud indicated a place of rest and encampment for the Israelites. This divine signal provided assurance that they were exactly where God wanted them to be. The cloud's movement and settling were unpredictable, teaching the Israelites reliance on God's timing rather than their own understanding. This concept of divine rest is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to find rest in Christ (Matthew 11:28-30).

there the Israelites would camp
The Israelites' encampment was a time for rest, worship, and community building. It was during these times that they would receive further instructions from God, reinforcing their identity as His chosen people. The camp was organized around the Tabernacle, with the tribes arranged in a specific order, symbolizing order and unity under God's leadership. This structure foreshadows the New Testament church, where Christ is central, and believers are united in Him (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land.

2. The Cloud
A manifestation of God's presence and guidance, representing His divine direction and protection over the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

3. The Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle)
The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where the cloud would settle, indicating God's presence.

4. The Wilderness Journey
The period of 40 years during which the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, learning to trust and obey God.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.
Teaching Points
Divine Guidance
Just as the Israelites were guided by the cloud, believers today are guided by the Holy Spirit. We must remain sensitive to His leading in our lives.

Obedience and Trust
The Israelites had to trust and obey God's timing and direction. Similarly, we are called to trust God's plan and timing, even when it is not clear to us.

God's Presence
The cloud represented God's presence with His people. We are reminded that God is always with us, providing comfort and direction.

Faith in Uncertainty
The Israelites moved only when the cloud lifted, teaching us to have faith and patience during times of uncertainty, waiting for God's clear direction.

Community and Unity
The Israelites moved together as a community, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective obedience in the body of Christ.(17) And when the cloud was taken up. . . --Only one instance is recorded of disregard of the Divine direction thus miraculously vouchsafed, viz., in Numbers 14:40-42. It was necessary that the hosts of Israel should be always in a watchful state, and ready to obey at once the intimations given to them of the Divine will, thus affording a striking type and pattern to the Christian Church, and teaching it both collectively and individually to seek and to follow the guidance of its Divine Head, whose promise is "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

Verse 17. - When the cloud was taken up. This verse and the following to the end of the chapter are an amplification of Exodus 40:36-38 (cf. Exodus 13:21, 22; Nehemiah 9:12; Psalm 78:14). It would appear from Exodus 13:21 that there was nothing new in the fact of the cloudy fiery pillar directing the movements of the host, but only in the fact of its resting on the tabernacle when in repose. In the place where the cloud abode, or "came down." שָׁכַז. As the tabernacle was taken all to pieces, and its portions widely separated on the march, the cloud could not rest upon it as a signal for halting. We must probably picture to ourselves the cloud rising to some considerable height when it was "taken up," so as to be visible for a great distance, and as settling down again over the spot where the tabernacle was to be set up. In this way the signals given by the cloud would be immediately perceived by a vast multitude.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Whenever
וּלְפִ֞י (ū·lə·p̄î)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

the cloud
הֶֽעָנָן֙ (he·‘ā·nān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

was taken up
הֵעָלֹ֤ת (hê·‘ā·lōṯ)
Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

from above
מֵעַ֣ל (mê·‘al)
Preposition-m
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the Tent,
הָאֹ֔הֶל (hā·’ō·hel)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 168: A tent

the Israelites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

would set out,
יִסְע֖וּ (yis·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

and wherever
וּבִמְק֗וֹם (ū·ḇim·qō·wm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

the cloud
הֶֽעָנָ֔ן (he·‘ā·nān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

settled,
יִשְׁכָּן־ (yiš·kān-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell

there
שָׁם֙ (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

the Israelites
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

would camp.
יַחֲנ֖וּ (ya·ḥă·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp


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OT Law: Numbers 9:17 Whenever the cloud was taken up (Nu Num.)
Numbers 9:16
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