And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not.
Israel kept the charge of the Lord. A desert life has its attractions, and constant movements create a passionate love of change. Many incidents show that the Israelites strongly imbibed this nomad habit, and were desirous of hastening to Canaan. But still the phases of the cloud indicated a command of God; and whatsoever irksomeness they might have felt in remaining long stationary in camp, "when the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle many days, they kept the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not." Happy for them if they had always exhibited this spirit of obedience! And happy for all if, through the wilderness of this world, we implicitly follow the leadings of God's providence and the directions of God's Word!