Numbers 9:22
Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
Original Language Analysis
אֽוֹ
H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
1 of 19
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
יָמִ֗ים
Or whether it were two days
H3117
יָמִ֗ים
Or whether it were two days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 19
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
אוֹ
H176
אוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
3 of 19
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אֽוֹ
H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
5 of 19
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
יָמִ֗ים
Or whether it were two days
H3117
יָמִ֗ים
Or whether it were two days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 19
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
בְּהַֽאֲרִ֨יךְ
tarried
H748
בְּהַֽאֲרִ֨יךְ
tarried
Strong's:
H748
Word #:
7 of 19
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
הֶֽעָנָ֤ן
that the cloud
H6051
הֶֽעָנָ֤ן
that the cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
8 of 19
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙
upon the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙
upon the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
10 of 19
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
לִשְׁכֹּ֣ן
remaining
H7931
לִשְׁכֹּ֣ן
remaining
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
11 of 19
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
עָלָ֔יו
H5921
עָלָ֔יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יַֽחֲנ֥וּ
abode
H2583
יַֽחֲנ֥וּ
abode
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
13 of 19
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
בְנֵֽי
thereon the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
thereon the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
15 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִסָּֽעוּ׃
in their tents and journeyed
H5265
יִסָּֽעוּ׃
in their tents and journeyed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
Historical Context
This section (Numbers 9:15-23) concludes the cloud theology begun in Exodus 40:34-38. Written before Israel entered Canaan, it established a precedent: God's presence, not land possession, defines His people. Even after settlement, the ark (representing God's presence) moved—from Shiloh to Jerusalem—teaching that sacred geography follows divine presence, not vice versa.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's identity as a 'presence-following people' rather than a 'place-possessing people' challenge modern church's focus on buildings and geography?
- What would change in your discipleship if you viewed yourself primarily as 'following the cloud' rather than 'holding the fort'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Whether it were two days, or a month, or a year (אוֹ־יֹמַיִם אוֹ־חֹדֶשׁ אוֹ־יָמִים, o-yomayim o-ḥodesh o-yamim)—The Hebrew yamim (days) can mean an extended period, hence 'year' in translation. This comprehensive summary emphasizes complete unpredictability. The children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not (יַחֲנוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹא יִסָּעוּ, yaḥanu veney-yisra'el velo yisa'u)—perfect obedience to divine timing regardless of duration.
But when it was taken up, they journeyed (וּבְהֵעָלֹתוֹ יִסָּעוּ, uv'he'aloto yisa'u)—nasa (to journey) in immediate response. This pattern shaped Israel's identity: a people defined not by place but by presence—wherever God's glory dwelt. The church is likewise mobile, sent (apostolic), following the Lamb wherever He leads (Revelation 14:4).