Numbers 10:36
And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וּבְנֻחֹ֖ה
And when it rested
H5117
וּבְנֻחֹ֖ה
And when it rested
Strong's:
H5117
Word #:
1 of 7
to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l
שׁוּבָ֣ה
Return
H7725
שׁוּבָ֣ה
Return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
יְהוָ֔ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רִֽבְב֖וֹת
unto the many
H7233
רִֽבְב֖וֹת
unto the many
Strong's:
H7233
Word #:
5 of 7
abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)
Historical Context
This verse concludes the section on cloud movements and trumpet signals (Numbers 9:15-10:36), establishing liturgical patterns for Israel's wilderness journeys. Moses spoke these formulas at each camp and departure throughout the 38-year wandering period (ca. 1445-1407 BC).
Questions for Reflection
- How do Moses' invocations ('Rise up... Return') model dependence on God's presence for all life transitions?
- What does Israel's need for divine presence in both movement and rest teach about continuous reliance on God?
- How can you develop liturgical practices that acknowledge God's presence in your daily comings and goings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel—Moses' invocation (שׁוּבָה יְהוָה shuvah YHWH) whenever the cloud halted uses the verb 'return' (שׁוּב), not merely 'remain,' suggesting dynamic divine presence rather than static location. The phrase many thousands (רִבְבוֹת אַלְפֵי rivvot alfei, literally 'ten thousands of thousands') emphasizes Israel's vast multitude under God's protection.
This verse pairs with 10:35 to form liturgical brackets around Israel's march—'Rise up, LORD' (קוּמָה יְהוָה) when departing, 'Return, LORD' when encamping. These invocations became fixed elements of Jewish liturgy and appear in synagogue ark ceremonials. The pattern establishes that all movement (spiritual and physical) requires divine initiative and presence, foreshadowing Christ's promise to be with His church always (Matthew 28:20).