Numbers 10:33 kjv
And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.
Numbers 10:33 nkjv
So they departed from the mountain of the LORD on a journey of three days; and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them for the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.
Numbers 10:33 niv
So they set out from the mountain of the LORD and traveled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them during those three days to find them a place to rest.
Numbers 10:33 esv
So they set out from the mount of the LORD three days' journey. And the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them three days' journey, to seek out a resting place for them.
Numbers 10:33 nlt
They marched for three days after leaving the mountain of the LORD, with the Ark of the LORD's Covenant moving ahead of them to show them where to stop and rest.
Numbers 10 33 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 1:30 | The LORD your God, who goes before you, will himself fight for you... | God's personal leadership and protection in battle. |
| Deut 1:33 | who went before you in the way to seek out a place to pitch your tents... | God actively scouting and providing camp sites. |
| Exod 13:21-22 | And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along... | God's constant visible presence guiding their movements. |
| Num 9:15-23 | at the command of the LORD they set out, and at the command of the LORD they encamped. | Movements entirely dictated by God's signal. |
| Josh 3:3-4 | When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God... you shall set out from your place and go after it. | The Ark leading Israel across the Jordan into Canaan. |
| Josh 4:7 | the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. | The Ark demonstrating God's power and paving the way. |
| Ps 78:52 | But he led forth his own people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. | God's shepherd-like guidance and care. |
| Ps 23:2-3 | He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. | God leading His people to rest and renewal. |
| Ps 95:11 | Therefore I swore in my wrath, "They shall not enter my rest." | Warning of the consequences of disobedience, linked to God's rest. |
| Heb 3:7-11 | as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion... they shall not enter my rest." | The spiritual failure of the wilderness generation to enter God's rest. |
| Heb 4:1 | Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. | Exhortation to diligence in seeking God's spiritual rest. |
| Heb 4:9-11 | So then, there remains a Sabbath-rest for the people of God... Let us therefore strive to enter that rest... | The ultimate spiritual rest available to believers. |
| Deut 12:9-10 | For you have not yet come to the rest and to the inheritance... when you cross the Jordan and live in the land... | Rest as a characteristic of the Promised Land. |
| Jer 31:2 | Thus says the LORD: "The people who survived the sword found favor in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, I led him." | God's guidance providing rest in difficult times. |
| Ps 132:8 | Arise, O LORD, to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. | Prayer for the Ark to enter God's designated place of rest. |
| Exod 33:14 | And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." | God's presence as the source of rest. |
| Num 10:35-36 | Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, "Arise, O LORD..." | Moses' liturgical prayers for the Ark's movements. |
| Ps 121:8 | The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. | God's protection over all movements. |
| Isa 40:11 | He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms... gently lead those that are with young. | God's tender guidance as a shepherd. |
| Matt 11:28-29 | Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... you will find rest for your souls. | Christ offering ultimate spiritual rest to weary souls. |
| Prov 3:6 | In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. | Divine guidance through human acknowledgment and trust. |
| 1 Pet 2:11 | Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh... | Believers as spiritual pilgrims journeying through life. |
Numbers 10 verses
Numbers 10 33 Meaning
Numbers 10:33 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey from Mount Sinai, portraying God's immediate and direct leadership as His people embark on the perilous wilderness trek towards the Promised Land. The verse highlights that Israel departed from the sacred mount where the covenant was made, with the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's active presence and covenantal relationship, leading the way for an initial three days' journey. This divine guidance had a specific, gracious purpose: to scout out and prepare a suitable place of rest for His people, underscoring God's meticulous care, provision, and sovereignty over their destiny and immediate well-being.
Numbers 10 33 Context
Numbers chapter 10 marks the end of Israel's nearly year-long encampment at Mount Sinai, where they received the Law, built the Tabernacle, and were organized into a priestly kingdom. This chapter describes the preparation for departure, including instructions for the silver trumpets used for signaling, and the meticulously ordered march formations of the twelve tribes. Verses 33-36 detail the crucial role of the Ark of the Covenant and Moses' accompanying prayers as they set out. Historically, this departure signifies the transition from a period of divine revelation and covenant establishment to one of wilderness journeying, where the principles learned at Sinai would be put into practice through obedience and faith as Israel began their trek toward the Promised Land.
Numbers 10 33 Word analysis
- So they set out (וַיִּסְעוּ, wa-yisʿū): Derived from the verb nasaʿ, meaning "to pull up stakes," "to break camp," or "to depart." This emphasizes a deliberate and organized movement, marking the physical shift from the stationary phase at Sinai to the mobile journey in the wilderness. It's a divinely orchestrated, not haphazard, departure.
- from the mount of the Lord (מֵהַר יְהוָה, mi-har YHWH): This refers to Mount Sinai (also known as Horeb), the hallowed place where God manifested His presence, gave the Ten Commandments, and established His covenant with Israel. Departing from "the mount of the Lord" signifies moving from the immediate divine presence and concentrated revelation into a new phase of trust and dependence on God's leading through the wilderness.
- three days’ journey (דֶּרֶךְ שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים, derekh shloshet yamim): This phrase indicates a significant, but specific, initial distance or duration of travel. It could be literally three days of marching, or a proverbial distance used in ancient literature to signify a definite but relatively short journey or separation before a significant event. This suggests a direct, continuous advance under God's explicit guidance.
- and the ark of the covenant of the Lord (וַאֲרוֹן בְּרִית יְהוָה, wə-ʾărōn bĕrît YHWH): The most sacred object in the Tabernacle, containing the tablets of the Law. The Ark represented God's enthroned presence among His people, the symbol of His covenantal faithfulness, and His sovereign rule. It was the visible focal point of God's dwelling and His guidance.
- went before them (הֹלֵךְ לִפְנֵיהֶם, hōlēḵ lifnêhem): This stresses God's proactive and pioneering leadership. Unlike other nations who might send human scouts or consult idols for direction, Israel was explicitly led by the tangible symbol of YHWH's own presence, indicating direct divine guidance. This sets a clear precedent: God Himself directs their path, making it His responsibility to navigate.
- to seek out (לָתוּר, lāṭūr): From the verb tūr, meaning "to search," "to explore," or "to scout out." This is the same root used for the spies sent into Canaan (Num 13). Here, it implies God's benevolent forethought and careful selection of a suitable destination. It doesn't mean God is uncertain, but rather highlights His meticulous preparation and care for His people's journey and well-being in the unfamiliar wilderness.
- a resting place for them (מְנוּחָה, mĕnūḥâ): This word signifies "rest," "quiet," "a place of rest," or "security." It points to God's purpose: to lead His people to places where they could find respite and safety amidst the challenges of the wilderness. This also foreshadows the ultimate rest of the Promised Land and, in a broader theological sense, the spiritual rest found in God Himself.
Words-group analysis:
- "Set out from the mount of the Lord... three days' journey": This phrase encapsulates a significant transition. Having spent a long time at Sinai, the time of static divine revelation was over. The journey emphasized action, obedience, and dependence. The three-day journey establishes an initial stage of continuous travel, directly under divine oversight, setting the pattern for the pilgrimage to come.
- "the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them": This powerful imagery confirms that Israel’s journey was not directed by human wisdom, tribal strategies, or arbitrary wandering. Instead, the visible symbol of God’s covenantal presence, the Ark, acted as their vanguard, emphasizing divine sovereignty, faithfulness, and the pre-eminence of God's direction in their national life. It contrasts starkly with any self-reliance or reliance on other guides.
- "for three days’ journey, to seek out a resting place for them": The repetition of "three days' journey" reinforces the immediate and purposeful nature of this first leg. The explicit purpose, "to seek out a resting place," highlights God's benevolent providence. It assures Israel that their journey, however arduous, was under the care of a God who actively planned for their well-being and ensured they would have respite and security. It signifies His commitment to bringing them into true "rest," ultimately fulfilled in the Promised Land and, ultimately, in Himself.
Numbers 10 33 Bonus section
- The concept of a "three days' journey" appears in various biblical contexts, often signifying a period of intentional movement, separation, or anticipation before a divine encounter or significant event. Here, it literally marks the initiation of the long journey from Sinai but also symbolically highlights the immediate, intense phase where divine leadership would be keenly observed and needed.
- The Ark leading the way served as a stark contrast to the surrounding pagan nations who would rely on divination, omens, or human wisdom for direction in their travels. Israel's journey was explicitly placed under the exclusive and infallible guidance of YHWH.
- While God "sought out" a resting place, this does not imply that God needed to "discover" something He was unaware of. Rather, it emphasizes His active providence and preparation for His people, showcasing His care by finding the ideal spot, rather than letting them stumble upon it themselves. This reinforces God as the ultimate provider and planner for their wilderness trek.
Numbers 10 33 Commentary
Numbers 10:33 serves as a foundational declaration of divine leadership and provision in the journey of faith. As Israel breaks camp from Sinai, the site of the Law's giving and covenant formation, the focus shifts to the practical reality of living out that covenant in a demanding wilderness. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's active presence and authority, leading the initial "three days' journey" underscores that God's guidance is not passive or distant but direct, proactive, and purposeful. His explicit aim "to seek out a resting place" reveals His benevolent care, planning ahead for His people's every need. This rest speaks to immediate physical provision and security, but also to the larger promise of a land of inheritance and ultimately, a spiritual state of peace in God. The verse is a powerful reminder that progress in faith, whether individual or corporate, is always founded on trusting God's chosen means of leading and relying on His commitment to provide true rest amidst life's wanderings. It establishes a model of obedient following and dependence upon God, whose forethought anticipates every need and prepares every path.