King James Version

What Does Numbers 10:13 Mean?

Numbers 10:13 in the King James Version says “And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.”

Numbers 10:13 · KJV

Context

11

And it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony.

12

And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.

13

And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

14

In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

15

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses (פִּי־יְהוָה pi-YHWH, mouth of the LORD)—The literal Hebrew is "by the mouth of the LORD," emphasizing verbal command. By the hand of Moses (בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה beyad-Moshe)—Moses functioned as the mediating agent transmitting divine directives. Every stage of the journey was regulated by explicit command, not human strategy or convenience.

This verse stresses obedience at the outset of the journey to Canaan—tragically, the book of Numbers chronicles how this initial compliance gave way to repeated rebellion (ch. 11-14, 16-17, 20-21, 25). The phrase "they first took their journey" marks faithful beginning before faithless wavering. Deuteronomy reflects on this pattern: "You were rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you" (9:24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses, now 81 years old, had led Israel for approximately one year since the Exodus. The journey organization detailed in Numbers 1-10 demonstrates meticulous divine planning—census, camp arrangement, tribal order, Levitical duties, purity laws, and trumpet signals all preceded movement. This was no disorganized refugee migration but a disciplined covenant people advancing under divine command.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God emphasize that this first journey was "according to the commandment of the LORD" before recording subsequent failures?
  2. How does Moses as mediator "by whose hand" God commands prefigure Christ as the mediator of a better covenant?
  3. What safeguards against the pattern of initial obedience eroding into eventual rebellion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּ1 of 7

“took their journey”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

בָּרִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה2 of 7

“And they first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

עַל3 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֥י4 of 7

“according to the commandment”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְהוָ֖ה5 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּיַד6 of 7

“by the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מֹשֶֽׁה׃7 of 7

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 10:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 1:6Numbers 9:23

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