Israel Leaves Mount Sinai

In the second year, on the twentieth day of the second month, the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle of the covenant. That was the sign to move. So the people of Israel set out from the wilderness of Sinai. They began this journey as the Lord had commanded through Moses, and the cloud came to rest in the wilderness of Paran.

The tribes did not leave in confusion. Judah went first with Issachar and Zebulun. After that, the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and Merarites carried its parts. Then Reuben's camp set out with Simeon and Gad. The people moved in an ordered way, each group in its proper place.

The Kohathites travelled carrying the sanctuary, while the others went ahead so the tabernacle could be set up before they arrived. After them came Ephraim with Manasseh and Benjamin. Dan travelled as the rear guard, with Asher and Naphtali. Israel moved forward camp by camp, according to their armies.

Moses also spoke to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, a relative of his by marriage. He invited Hobab to come with Israel to the place the Lord had promised to give them. Hobab said he would return to his own land and family, but Moses urged him not to leave, because he knew the wilderness and could help them find their way.

Then Israel travelled from the mountain of the Lord for three days. The ark of the Lord's covenant went ahead to seek a resting place for them, and the Lord's cloud remained over them by day as they journeyed. When the ark moved, Moses asked the Lord to scatter his enemies. When it came to rest, Moses asked the Lord to return to Israel's many thousands.