Numbers 10:13-17

Context

Judah Begins the Journey

10:13 This was the first time they set out on their journey according to the commandment¹ of the Lord, by the authority² of Moses.

10:14 The standard³ of the camp of the Judahites set out first according to their companies, and over his company was Nahshon son of Amminadab.

10:15 Over the company of the tribe of Issacharites was Nathanel son of Zuar, 10:16 and over the company of the tribe of the Zebulunites was Elion son of Helon. 10:17 Then the tabernacle was dismantled, and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set out, carrying the tabernacle.

[10:13] ¹tn Heb “mouth.”

[10:13] ²tn Heb “hand.”

[10:14] ³sn The “standard” (דֶּגֶל, degel) was apparently some kind of a symbol put up on a pole to signify the tribal hosts. R. de Vaux thought it simply referred to a pole or a mast, but that would not distinguish tribes (Ancient Israel, 226-27).