Numbers 9-12: Move 'em Out

How exciting it must have been to travel with the Israelites during their first years after leaving Egypt.  They were part of an enormous group and something was always going on.  They saw the cloud cover the Tent  of the Testimony on the day it was set up and watched it turn into a covering of fire at night.  There was probably much excitement and anticipation every time the cloud lifted and they rushed around packing everything, and getting lined up with their division of the camp so they could move out, waiting for the sound of the trumpet blast and the words from Moses.

Whenever the ark set out, Moses said,

"Rise up, O LORD! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you."

 Whenever it came to rest, he said,

"Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel."

Numbers 10:35-36 NIV

The cloud of the LORD was over them by day when they set out from the camp, guiding them to their next destination where they might stay for a day, a month, or even as long as a year. 

Not only were they moving, but there was always some activity in the camp.  Usually complaining on the part of one or more of the Israelites, and a demonstration of God's power in response.  They complained about their hardships, and fire from the Lord burned up some of those on the outskirts of the camp.  They complained about the manna.  It was sweet and nourishing, but they were bored with it.  They wanted meat.  So the Lord gave them meat, but extracted a price for it.  Miriam and Aaron complained about Moses, after all, he was married to a foreign wife.  Why should he be the one in charge?  Didn't they hear from the Lord as well?  Miriam must have complained the most, because she turned into a leper and only Moses' pleading caused God to relent.  All this excitement, then they packed up their tents and moved on.