Numbers 9:20
And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed.
Original Language Analysis
וְיֵ֞שׁ
And so it was
H3426
וְיֵ֞שׁ
And so it was
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
1 of 16
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִֽהְיֶ֧ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֧ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הֶֽעָנָ֛ן
when the cloud
H6051
הֶֽעָנָ֛ן
when the cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
4 of 16
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
יָמִ֥ים
days
H3117
יָמִ֥ים
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 16
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
מִסְפָּ֖ר
was a few
H4557
מִסְפָּ֖ר
was a few
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
6 of 16
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
upon the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
upon the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
8 of 16
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֥י
according to the commandment
H6310
פִּ֥י
according to the commandment
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
10 of 16
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יַֽחֲנ֔וּ
they abode
H2583
יַֽחֲנ֔וּ
they abode
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֥י
according to the commandment
H6310
פִּ֥י
according to the commandment
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
14 of 16
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Historical Context
The wilderness was not merely geographic but pedagogical—a 40-year seminary in divine dependence. Israel's food (manna), water (the rock), clothing (never wore out, Deuteronomy 8:4), and movements (the cloud) all required daily trust. This generation would enter Canaan knowing Yahweh as Provider, not merely Deliverer from Egypt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's unpredictable timing wean us from false security in routines, plans, and human wisdom?
- What areas of your life resist the 'few days' or 'many days' variability of God's sovereign leading?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle (וְיֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה הֶעָנָן יָמִים מִסְפָּר עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן, veyesh asher yihyeh he'anan yamim mispar al-hamishkan)—Yamim mispar (days of number, countable days) contrasts with v. 19's 'many days.' Variability itself is the pattern: sometimes long, sometimes short, never predictable. According to the commandment of the LORD (עַל־פִּי יְהוָה, al-pi YHWH, literally 'upon the mouth of Yahweh') appears twice—both for staying and going.
This unpredictability breaks human self-reliance. Israel couldn't develop routines or strategies independent of God's immediate direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 echoes this: 'Trust in the LORD...and He shall direct thy paths.' The Christian life isn't following rules but following a Person whose ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).