Bible Strands
Numbers 10:13
They set out this first time according to the LORD’s command through Moses.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator records the Israelites departing from the Wilderness of Sinai as they begin their journey toward the Wilderness of Paran. This moment follows the cloud's settlement in Paran and precedes the formal arrangement of tribal divisions.
The words — The phrase עַל־פִּי (al-pi) literally means "according to the mouth of," denoting direct verbal instruction. It is paired with בְּיַד (be-yad, "by the hand of") to specify that this directive was delivered through Moses.
The thread — This pattern of departure under divine command recurs in Numbers 9:23, where the people camp and travel strictly by the LORD’s instruction. It is later recalled in Deuteronomy 1:6 when Moses reminds Israel that the LORD directed them to leave Horeb.
Why it lands — The text requires obedience to a specific, mediated command before any movement begins. It establishes that the journey’s timing and direction depend entirely on divine instruction rather than human initiative.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
Cross-references
- Numbers 9:23 They camped at the LORD’s command, and they set out at the LORD’s command; they carried out the LORD’s charge according to His command through Moses.
- Deuteronomy 1:6 The LORD our God said to us at Horeb: “You have stayed at this mountain long enough.