Big Idea: God leads and protects his people.

Understanding the Text

Numbers 10:11–22:1 forms a new major unit in the book of Numbers that describes the journey from Sinai to the plains of Jordan.

In Numbers 1:1–10:10 Israel had prepared for resuming its march toward the promised land. The tribal camps have been counted, and their positions around the tabernacle designated. The duties of the priests and Levites have been delineated. Gifts for the dedication of the tabernacle have been received, and silver trumpets to direct tribal movements fabricated. The Passover festival, recalling the foundational events of Israel’s history, has recently been celebrated (Num. 9:1–14), and God himself in the pillar of cloud has appeared to direct Israel’s journey. Thus, Israel now begins its march tow…