Which was the rearward of all the camps— The word rendered rearward, signifies properly, gathering. ףּמאס measep, and so should be rendered, gathering to it all the camps; i.e. all the rest of the people, who belonged not to any particular camp, but to all the camps in general; namely, such as were under twenty years old; all unclean persons, who were shut out of the camp, ch. Numbers 5:2 together with the mixed multitude which came with them out of Egypt.
REFLECTIONS.—God, having fully settled their host, calls them to begin their march.
1. The signal is given in the removal of the cloud. They had now been near a year at Sinai, and having received God's institutions, they are, with God in the midst of them, on their journey to be put in possession of his promises. We may comfortably remove, when we have God with us. 2. They marched according to God's order, and under his guidance; and though they were long kept wandering, yet were never bewildered. When we trust ourselves to God, we may be involved in difficulties; but our way is safe, and the issue will be peace. 3. After journeying a few days they rested in the wilderness of Paran. We must expect small rest here, where our best changes are but one wilderness for another. While therefore we are thankful for the mercies by the way, we must look for our abiding resting-place in heaven, whence we shall remove no more. 4. The order of the march, as directed before. Judah led the way, then the Gershonites and Merarites followed with the tabernacle; next Reuben's squadron; after them, the Kohathites with the sacred vessels; Ephraim followed; Dan, with all the attendants on the camp, closed the rear. Behold a type of the church: Christ, the captain, leads the glorious van; his ministers mark his steps with their sacred charges; the faithful, firm-embodied, and true to their colours, follow; while the weaker have a glorious guard of ministering spirits, under the conduct of their Lord.