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.

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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
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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
The "cloud" here refers to the divine presence of God, often described as the Shekinah glory, which guided the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The Hebrew word for "cloud" is "עָנָן" (anan), symbolizing God's guidance and protection. This divine cloud was not just a meteorological phenomenon but a visible manifestation of God's presence, indicating His active role in leading His people. The lifting of the cloud signified a divine signal for the Israelites to move, emphasizing the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's direction.

from above the tent
The "tent" refers to the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place of God among His people. The Hebrew word "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan) means "dwelling place" or "tabernacle." This was a central place of worship and a symbol of God's covenant with Israel. The positioning of the cloud above the tent signifies God's presence and His readiness to lead His people. It underscores the centrality of worship and the presence of God in the life of the community.

the Israelites would set out
The phrase indicates the movement of the entire community of Israel. The Hebrew term for "set out" is "נָסַע" (nasa), which means to journey or travel. This movement was not random but was a divinely orchestrated journey towards the Promised Land. It reflects the faith and trust the Israelites placed in God's guidance, as they moved only when He directed them. This obedience is a model for believers today, illustrating the importance of following God's leading in our lives.

and wherever the cloud settled
The settling of the cloud indicated a place of rest and encampment for the Israelites. The Hebrew word "שָׁכַן" (shakan) means to dwell or abide, suggesting a temporary but significant resting place. This divine pause allowed the Israelites to rest, worship, and prepare for the next stage of their journey. It highlights the rhythm of movement and rest in the spiritual journey, teaching believers the importance of discerning God's timing in both action and rest.

there the Israelites would camp
The act of camping was a communal activity, involving the entire nation of Israel. The Hebrew word "חָנָה" (chanah) means to encamp or settle. This was not just a physical act but a spiritual one, as the Israelites were to remain in the presence of God, worshiping and living according to His commandments. The encampment was a time for community building, worship, and preparation, reminding believers of the importance of community and fellowship in the journey of faith.

(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.)
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