The LORD spoke to Moses:
"Make two trumpets of hammered silver. Use them to summon the community and to signal when the camps are to move. When both are sounded, the whole assembly is to gather before you at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. But if only one is sounded, then only the leaders—the heads of Israel's clans—are to gather before you.
When a trumpet blast is given, the tribes camped on the east are to set out. At the second blast, the camps on the south are to move. To call the people together, blow the trumpets, but not with the same signal. The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to blow them. This will be a lasting ordinance for all your generations.
And when you go into battle against an enemy who oppresses you, sound the trumpet blast, and the LORD your God will remember you and rescue you. Also, in your times of rejoicing—your appointed feasts and New Moon festivals—blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will serve as a memorial before your God. I am the LORD your God."
On the twentieth day of the second month of the second year, the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle of the Testimony. Then the Israelites set out from the wilderness of Sinai, moving from place to place, until the cloud came to rest in the wilderness of Paran. This was the first time they set out at the LORD's command through Moses.
The camp of Judah went first, under its standard, led by Nahshon son of Amminadab. Over the division of Issachar was Nethanel son of Zuar, and over Zebulun was Eliab son of Helon.
Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and Merarites, who carried its parts, set out.
Next marched the camp of Reuben, led by Elizur son of Shedeur. Over the tribe of Simeon was Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai, and over Gad was Eliasaph son of Deuel.
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things; the tabernacle was to be made ready before they arrived.
After them came the camp of Ephraim, led by Elishama son of Ammihud. Over Manasseh was Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, and over Benjamin was Abidan son of Gideoni.
Finally, the rear guard: the camp of Dan under Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai. Over the tribe of Asher was Pagiel son of Ocran, and over Naphtali was Ahira son of Enan. This was the order of march for the divisions of Israel.
Then Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, his father-in-law:
"We are setting out for the place the LORD has promised to give us. Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has spoken good things concerning Israel."
But Hobab replied, "No, I will not go. I am returning to my own land and my own people."
Moses urged him: "Please do not leave us. You know the places where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes. If you come with us, we will share with you all the good things the LORD gives to us."
So they set out from the mountain of the LORD and traveled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them during those days to seek out a resting place. The cloud of the LORD was over them by day whenever they set out from camp.
And whenever the ark set out, Moses declared:
"Rise up, O LORD! May Your enemies be scattered; may those who hate You flee before You."
And when it came to rest, he would say:
"Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel."