Numbers 10:11-28

THE MARCH.

Numbers 10:11-14. [Time, about three months.]

THE BEGINNING OF THE MARCH FROM SINAI, Numbers 10:11-28.

The Samaritan MS. introduces in this place nearly the words of Deuteronomy 1:6-8, “Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount; turn and take your journey,” etc. The purpose of the Sinaitic sojourn had been accomplished. The decalogue had been given, the tabernacle built, the sacrificial system perfected, the priesthood established in the family of Aaron, the tribe of Levi substituted for the firstborn as the custodians of the tabernacle, Israel had been numbered and marshalled into an orderly encampment under appropriate banners, and the silver trumpets by which signals could be given had been made. All things were ready for the cloud to arise and move majestically northward toward the land of promise, about 175 miles distant. The immediate destination of Israel was “the wilderness of Paran,” a name long known. Genesis 14:6; Genesis 21:21. It is still called the “Desert of the Wandering.” It is a limestone plateau of irregular surface, hard, and covered in many places with a carpet of small flints so worn and polished as to resemble black glass. In the spring there is a scanty herbage even here, while in the ravines there is always sufficient for camels, and some ground available for cultivation.