Log inSign up

Numbers 10 · a question people ask

Did the ark travel in the middle of the camp, or in front?

Interpretation

The chapter says both things about the march. "The Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary" (10:21), after Judah's and Reuben's camps (10:14-20), as Numbers 2 had set out: "Then the Tent of Meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps" (Numbers 2:17). And "The ark of the LORD’s covenant went before them three days’ journey, to seek out a resting place for them" (10:33). The chapter doesn't explain how these fit together, and Christians read 10:33 in two main ways. Both agree that the ark led the way to the place where Israel would rest.

How Christians read it

Where Christians differ, Favor sets out the main views side by side and doesn't pick one.

Out in front on this journey

Those who hold this view read "went before them" (10:33) as the ark going ahead of the whole camp on this first journey from the mountain, as the priests would later carry it ahead of the people at the Jordan: "They took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people" (Joshua 3:6).

Numbers 10:33 · Joshua 3:3-6

Leading from its place in the march

Those who hold this view note that the Kohathites carried "the sanctuary" in its set place, after Reuben's camp (10:21; Numbers 2:17; 4:15), and read "went before them" (10:33) as the ark leading the people as their guide, rather than as a change to the order just given.

Numbers 10:21 · Numbers 10:33 · Numbers 2:17 · Numbers 4:5 · Numbers 4:15

The verses

“They set forward from the Mount of the LORD three days’ journey. The ark of the LORD’s covenant went before them three days’ journey, to seek out a resting place for them.”
Numbers 10:33 · World English Bible
““Then the Tent of Meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps. As they encamp, so shall they set out, every man in his place, by their standards.”
Numbers 2:17 · World English Bible
““When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it; but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. The sons of Kohath shall carry these things belonging to the Tent of Meeting.”
Numbers 4:15 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Numbers 10

Numbers 10: Rise up, LORD

The silver trumpets gathered Israel, sent it out, and in war sounded so that "you will be remembered before the LORD your God" (10:9). And when the camp left Sinai, the ark went ahead "to seek out a resting place for them" (10:33), with the verb Numbers soon uses for the spies (13:2), while Moses prayed nearly the words that open Psalm 68 (10:35).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekNumbers 10 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Numbers 10

All questions about Numbers →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions