Charles Ellicott Commentary Numbers 9:22

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Numbers 9:22

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Numbers 9:22

1819–1905
Anglican
SCRIPTURE

"Whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, abiding thereon, the children of Israel remained encamped, and journeyed not; but when it was taken up, they journeyed." — Numbers 9:22 (ASV)

Or a year. —Literally, days (Genesis 40:4, and Notes). If the rendering of the Authorised Version, “a year,” is correct, as it probably is, it will follow that these words could not have been written until after the first arrival at Kadesh (Numbers 13:26), and probably not until after the end of the wanderings in the wilderness.

The elaborate manner in which the statement is made and repeated in almost identical terms shows the great importance which the writer ascribed to the Divine guardianship which was exercised over the Israelites, and to their submission to the miraculous guidance which was given to them.