11 Then on the 20th of the second month in that second year (after leaving Egypt), the cloud was lifted up from above the sacred tent 12 and the Israelis started moving out from the Sinai wilderness as per the pre-arranged order. The cloud moved to the Paran wilderness. 13 That was the first time that they had moved as a result of Yahweh signalling Mosheh by means of the cloud.

14 Yehudah tribe with their banner was the first to leave under the leadership of Amminadav’s son Nahshon. 15 Tsuar’s son Netanel led the company from Yissakar tribe, 16 and Helon’s son Eliav led the company from Zevulun tribe.

17 Then the sacred tent was disassembled, and the men of Gershon and Merari set off, carrying the tent.

18 Reuven tribe with their banner was next to leave under the leadership of Shedeyur’s son Elitsur. 19 Tsurishaddai’s son Shelumiel led the company from Shimeon tribe. 20 Deuel’s son Elyasaf led the company from Gad tribe.

21 Then the sacred utensils were carried out by the Kohatite men, who then helped set up the sacred tent when they arrived.

22 Efrayim tribe with their banner was next to leave under the leadership of Ammihud’s son Elishama. 23 Pedahtsur’s son Gamaliel led the company from Menashsheh tribe. 24 Gideoni’s son Avidan led the company from Benyamin tribe.

25 Dan tribe with their banner was last to leave as the rear guard under the leadership of Ammishaddai’s son Ahiezer. 26 Okran’s son Pagiel led the company from Asher tribe. 27 Eynan’s son Ahira led the company from Naftali tribe. 28 That was the order of the departures of the companies of the Israeli tribes when they set off.

29 Then Mosheh told Hovav (son of the Midianite Reuel who was Mosheh’s father-in-law), “We’re heading towards the place that Yahweh said he’d give us. Come and join us, and we’ll look after you, because Yahweh has promised to look after Yisrael.”

30 “Thank you but no,” Hovav replied, “I’ll return to my land and to my relatives.”

31 “Please don’t leave us,” Mosheh insisted, “because you’re the one who knows about camping in the wilderness, and you could be our guide. 32 When you come with us, Yahweh will be blessing us so we’ll also bless you.”

33 Then they left Yahweh’s mountain and travelled for three days, with the box containing Yahweh’s agreement being carried at the front to find a resting place for them, 34 and Yahweh’s cloud was over them each day as they set out from their stop.

35 As the box started moving, Mosheh would say, “Yahweh, take action and then your enemies will scatter, and the ones hating you will flee away from your presence.”[ref] 36 Then at the end of the day when it came to rest, he would say, “Yahweh, return to the tens of thousands of Israelis.”