At the signal from the trumpeters, however, the entire camp set forward, the tabernacle borne in the midst, and each tribe in its appointed position, under its own standard. All eyes were turned anxiously to see in what direction the cloud would lead. As it moved toward the east, where were only mountain masses huddled together, black and desolate, a feeling of sadness and doubt arose in many hearts.

På trompeternes signal brød hele lejren imidlertid op. Tabernaklet blev båret i midten, og hver stamme var på sin tildelte plads under sit felttegn. Alle rettede ivrigt blikket mod skyen for at se, i hvilken retning den ville lede dem. Da den bevægede sig mod øst, hvor der kun fandtes mørke og øde bjergformationer, blev mange grebet af en følelse af sorg og fortvivlelse.