6. At the sounding of a second blast, the camps on the south are to set out. The blast will be the signal for setting out.
7. To gather the assembly, blow the trumpets, but not with the signal for setting out.
8. ‘The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to blow the trumpets. This is to be a lasting ordinance for you and the generations to come.
9. When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies.
10. Also at your times of rejoicing – your appointed festivals and New Moon feasts – you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the Lord your God.’
11. On the twentieth day of the second month of the second year, the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle of the covenant law.
12. Then the Israelites set out from the Desert of Sinai and travelled from place to place until the cloud came to rest in the Desert of Paran.
13. They set out, this first time, at the Lord’s command through Moses.
14. The divisions of the camp of Judah went first, under their standard. Nahshon son of Amminadab was in command.
15. Nethanel son of Zuar was over the division of the tribe of Issachar,
16. and Eliab son of Helon was over the division of the tribe of Zebulun.
17. Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and Merarites, who carried it, set out.
18. The divisions of the camp of Reuben went next, under their standard. Elizur son of Shedeur was in command.
19. Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai was over the division of the tribe of Simeon,
20. and Eliasaph son of Deuel was over the division of the tribe of Gad.
21. Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. The tabernacle was to be set up before they arrived.