Numbers 9:19-21

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Numbers 9:19 tn This is the same Hebrew expression that was used earlier for the Levites “keeping their charge” or more clearly, “fulfilling their obligations” to take care of the needs of the people and the sanctuary. It is a general expression using שָׁמַר (shamar) followed by its cognate noun מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mishmeret).
2. Numbers 9:20 tn The sentence uses וְיֵשׁ (v^eyesh) followed by a noun clause introduced with אֲשֶׁר (ʾasher) to express an existing situation; it is best translated as an adverbial clause of time: “and it was when the cloud was….”
3. Numbers 9:20 tn The word “number” is in apposition to the word “days” to indicate that their stay was prolonged for quite a few days.
4. Numbers 9:20 tn Heb “mouth of the Lord.”
5. Numbers 9:21 tn The construction is the same in the preceding verse.
6. Numbers 9:21 tn “Only” is supplied to reflect the contrast between the two verses.
7. Numbers 9:21 tn The construction in this half of the verse uses two vav (ו) consecutive clauses. The first is subordinated to the second as a temporal clause: “when…then….”