Numbers 10:11 -36  Now that everything was ready... all the people arranged into their particular camps.. the tabernacle and tent cared for by those who were given their assignments.. the "cloud was lifted from over the tabernacle of the testimony."  They began their journey to the promised land.  Their first journey was 3 days, going from Sinai into the wilderness of Paran.

Judah, Issachar, and Zebulan were at the front of the line.  They were followed by the sons of Gershon and Merari, those carrying the tabernacle.. all the tents and poles etc.  Verse 21 tells us that they would have the tent all set up by the time the Kohathites arrived with the sacred objects. 

After Gershon and Merari with the tabernacle and tent came the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. They were followed by the Kohathites with the holy objects for the tabernacle. 

Then came the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin.  Bring up the "rear guard" was Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. 

Over 600,000 men.. plus women, children, and animals.. traveled in this caravan.  There were also "sojourners" that followed along with Israel. Plus, we read in verses 29-31 that Moses asked his father-in-law the Midianite to come along and apparently he agreed. 

Verse 33 says "Thus they set out from the mount of the Lord three days journey with the ark of the covenant of the Lord journeying in from of them for the three days, to seek out a resting place for them." This is interesting.. and I wonder why the ark was not back with the Kohathites.   Moses let the ark lead all the people and he would sing out a battle cry as it set out, "Rise up, O Lord! And let Thine enemies be scattered, And let those who hate Thee flee before Thee."  Then when the cloud came to a rest Moses would say, "Return Thou, O Lord, To the myriad thousands of Israel." 

For three days.. they followed the directions of the Lord.. there was order, there was safety, and there was provision.. three days of purpose and joy in the promises of God.  But, on the third day.. things changed. 

Father in heaven, we see Your perfect plan at work among Your people here in Your word.  You stayed with them.. You provided all they needed. You directed their steps and protected them as they traveled.  We remember that You are God who never changes and that Your plans for each of us are perfect too.  You have a place that You have brought us to.. You have people You have brought into our lives.. and by Your wonderful grace.. You have led us through the days and nights towards Your Promised Land.. our forever Home in heaven.  We are so thankful.. Help us, Lord to keep trusting.. to stop complaining.. and to walk in faith every day as we run the race set before us.  You are with us and Jesus Christ is in us by the filling of Your Holy Spirit. Let our faith grow as we come closer and closer to You..may we find rest in Your Presence. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.