Numbers 10:35

KJV

And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when the ark {H727} set forward {H5265}, that Moses {H4872} said {H559}, Rise up {H6965}, LORD {H3068}, and let thine enemies {H341} be scattered {H6327}; and let them that hate {H8130} thee flee {H5127} before {H6440} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the ark moved forward, Moshe said, "Arise, ADONAI! May your enemies be scattered! Let those who hate you flee before you!"

Berean Standard Bible

Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, “Rise up, O LORD! May Your enemies be scattered; may those who hate You flee before You.”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, O Jehovah, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 10:35 presents a powerful, liturgical prayer uttered by Moses each time the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the very presence and active leadership of Yahweh, commenced its journey from the Israelite encampment. This concise yet profound invocation, "Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee," encapsulates Israel's unwavering reliance on God as their divine vanguard, protector, and warrior. It declares that His omnipotent power alone ensures their safe passage and grants victory against all opposition throughout their perilous wilderness journey and into the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Numbers, signaling Israel's long-awaited departure from Mount Sinai, where they had been encamped for nearly a year receiving divine law and establishing the Tabernacle worship (Numbers 1-9). Numbers 10 meticulously details the preparations for this momentous journey, including the divine instructions for blowing the silver trumpets to signal assembly and movement (Numbers 10:1-10), and the precise, divinely ordained marching order for the twelve tribes (Numbers 10:11-28). Immediately preceding this prayer, [Numbers 10:33-34](/numbers/10-33-34 "Numbers 10:33-34 - The Ark Leads the Way") explicitly states that the Ark of the Covenant, carried by the Levites, went "before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them," with the LORD's cloud hovering over them by day. Moses' prayer in [Numbers 10:35](/numbers/10-35 "Numbers 10:35 - Moses' Prayer at Departure") and the subsequent prayer upon the Ark's resting in [Numbers 10:36](/numbers/10-36 "Numbers 10:36 - Moses' Prayer at Resting") functioned as a formalized, rhythmic liturgy, framing the beginning and end of each leg of their journey. This liturgical practice profoundly reinforced the absolute centrality of God's tangible presence and active leadership in every step of Israel's pilgrimage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness journey was inherently perilous, characterized by harsh natural conditions, scarcity of resources, and the constant threat of hostile nomadic tribes and established peoples. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, it was a common practice for armies to carry cultic objects or images of their deities into battle, believing these gods would actively fight on their behalf. However, Israel's understanding of the Ark of the Covenant was distinct; it was not an idol but the very throne and footstool of Yahweh, symbolizing His invisible yet palpably real presence among His people. The Ark's position at the vanguard of the camp signified God Himself leading the way, scouting, and clearing obstacles. Moses' prayer reflects a deeply ingrained Israelite theological concept: Yahweh as the Divine Warrior (Hebrew: _ʾiš milḥāmâ_). This concept, powerfully articulated in [Exodus 15:3](/exodus/15-3 "Exodus 15:3 - The LORD is a Warrior"), portrays God as actively engaged in battle for His people. This prayer was not a desperate cry but a confident, covenantal invocation, rooted in God's proven faithfulness to deliver and protect Israel, demonstrating their unique relationship with the sovereign Lord of Hosts.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 10:35 makes a profound contribution to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Leadership and Presence**: The Ark's vanguard position and Moses' consistent prayer affirm that Israel's journey, direction, and ultimate destiny are entirely orchestrated by God. Their progress is not a result of human strategy or military might, but solely dependent on God's manifest presence and power. Secondly, the verse highlights **God as Protector and Warrior**: The urgent plea for God to "rise up" and "scatter" enemies emphasizes His active, interventionist role in defending His covenant people. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, where God is consistently depicted as fighting for Israel, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The LORD Your God Will Fight for You") and [Joshua 23:10](/joshua/23-10 "Joshua 23:10 - One Man Puts a Thousand to Flight"). Lastly, the verse powerfully illustrates **Israel's Absolute Dependence on God**: Moses' formalized, consistent prayer demonstrates that every single step of their wilderness journey, every impending challenge, and every anticipated victory required God's direct intervention and blessing. It serves as a foundational declaration that true security, provision, and success come from acknowledging and relying entirely on God's active involvement in every facet of life and national endeavor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rise up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This word is an imperative verb, functioning as an urgent command or plea. While often translated as "rise up," it carries a strong sense of "stand up," "arise," or "take action." In a military context, it signifies preparing for battle or taking a commanding, assertive position. Here, it is a direct invocation for Yahweh to manifest His power and intervene decisively on behalf of His people, akin to a general issuing orders for an advance or a king taking his throne to judge. It implies a call for God to actively engage and reveal His strength.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14-15). Its use here emphasizes that the prayer is addressed to the personal, relational God of Israel, who has entered into an unbreakable covenant with them and is bound by His promises to protect, provide for, and lead them. It underscores the unique, intimate relationship between God and His chosen people, implying a divine obligation and faithfulness to act on their behalf. It is not a generic deity being invoked, but the specific, self-existent God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
* **scattered (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** Derived from the primitive root _pûwts_, meaning "to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)." This term vividly describes the complete disarray, rout, and disintegration of an enemy force. It implies a chaotic, overwhelming defeat where enemies are utterly broken, fragmented, and unable to maintain cohesion or resistance. It speaks to a divine act that causes total collapse and dispersal, leaving no possibility of regrouping or continued threat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when the ark set forward":** This opening clause establishes the precise context and trigger for Moses' prayer. The Ark of the Covenant, understood as the visible symbol of God's invisible presence and throne, served as the vanguard of Israel's march. Its movement signified the commencement of a new stage of their journey, an advance into the unknown, thereby emphasizing the immediate and continuous need for divine guidance and protection for the path ahead. The phrase "set forward" (Hebrew: _nâsaʿ_) denotes breaking camp and beginning a journey, highlighting the dynamic and mobile nature of God's leadership in the wilderness.
* **"that Moses said, Rise up, LORD":** This is Moses' direct, authoritative address to Yahweh. As the divinely appointed mediator of the covenant and the leader of Israel, Moses articulates the nation's profound and absolute dependence on God. The imperative "Rise up" is a powerful, almost liturgical command, calling upon God to actively manifest His power, to take His rightful place as the Divine Warrior, and to lead His people forward with decisive action. It is a bold declaration of faith that God is not a passive observer but an actively involved, sovereign agent in their journey.
* **"and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee":** This is the explicit petition for divine intervention and the desired outcome. The "enemies" are not merely human adversaries but are understood as those who oppose God's purposes, His covenant people, and ultimately, God Himself. The powerful synonymous parallelism between "enemies" and "them that hate thee" underscores that opposition to Israel is tantamount to opposition to Yahweh. The desired outcome—their complete scattering and panicked flight—is a testament to God's overwhelming power to vanquish all who stand against Him. It is a prayer for divine judgment, vindication, and the assured security and success of Israel in fulfilling God's will.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 10:35 is rich with impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Invocation/Prayer**, as Moses directly addresses God, making a fervent appeal for divine action. This direct address underscores the intimate and covenantal relationship between God and His people, highlighting their absolute reliance on His intervention. **Parallelism** is powerfully employed in the second half of the verse: "let thine enemies be scattered" and "let them that hate thee flee before thee." This is a classic example of synonymous parallelism, where the second phrase reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first, intensifying the image of total defeat and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's victory over His adversaries. The phrase "Rise up, LORD" can be understood as an **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (rising from a seated or inactive position) to God. This device makes God's divine intervention more relatable and immediate for the human audience, portraying Him as actively engaging in their circumstances. Finally, the Ark itself functions as profound **Symbolism**, representing God's tangible presence, His throne, and His active leadership among Israel. Moses' prayer, uttered precisely when the Ark moves, reinforces this symbolism, making God's dynamic and protective role in Israel's journey vivid and undeniable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 10:35 stands as a foundational declaration of God's sovereign power and His active, unwavering role as the protector and leader of His covenant people. It establishes a profound theological precedent: Israel's success, whether in navigating the treacherous wilderness or confronting formidable human foes, is entirely dependent on Yahweh's initiative, strength, and manifest presence, not on their own might or strategic prowess. This prayer elevates the seemingly mundane act of breaking camp into a sacred, faith-filled moment, acknowledging that every step of their pilgrimage, every challenge, and every victory is under divine command and protection. It underscores the concept of spiritual warfare, where the "enemies" of Israel are ultimately the enemies of God, and their defeat is a direct manifestation of God's righteous judgment and unwavering covenant faithfulness. The verse serves as a timeless reminder that God is not a distant, passive deity but an immanent, powerful presence who actively fights for His own, ensuring their ultimate triumph.

* [Psalm 68:1](/psalms/68-1 "Psalm 68:1 - God Arises, His Enemies Scatter")
* [Isaiah 40:3-5](/isaiah/40-3-5 "Isaiah 40:3-5 - Prepare the Way of the LORD")
* [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The LORD Your God Will Fight for You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' profound prayer in Numbers 10:35 offers an enduring template for faith, dependence, and courageous living for every believer today. Just as ancient Israel faced an unknown, often hostile wilderness filled with both natural perils and human adversaries, we too embark on various "journeys" in life—new ventures, challenging seasons, spiritual battles, or simply the routines of daily existence—all of which necessitate divine guidance and protection. This verse calls us to intentionally invite God's active presence and sovereign leadership into every facet of our lives, recognizing that our true security, strength, and success flow solely from His direct involvement. It encourages us to approach life's "departures" not with anxiety or self-reliance, but with a confident, faith-filled declaration of God's power to clear the way, scatter opposition, and lead us safely. Our battles, whether spiritual, emotional, relational, or circumstantial, are ultimately God's battles, and our ultimate victory is assured when we surrender them to Him and rely on His omnipotence. This prayer is a powerful reminder to pray boldly, persistently, and with unwavering trust, knowing that the same God who led Israel through the wilderness is intimately present and powerfully able to lead us today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently "setting forward" into the unknown, and how can you intentionally invite God's presence to lead the way?**
* **What "enemies" or obstacles (spiritual strongholds, personal struggles, relational conflicts) are you facing, and how can you surrender them to God, trusting Him to "scatter" and cause them to "flee"?**
* **How does Moses' consistent, liturgical prayer challenge your own prayer life? Do you regularly declare God's sovereignty and power over your circumstances and the challenges you face?**
* **How does understanding God as the Divine Warrior who actively fights for you impact your sense of security, courage, and peace in daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses say this prayer every time the Ark set forward?**

Answer: Moses recited this prayer consistently as a liturgical act, formalizing Israel's absolute and continuous dependence on God for every leg of their journey. It was a public declaration of faith and a spiritual discipline that underscored a fundamental truth: each time the Ark, symbolizing God's active presence and leadership, moved ahead (as described in [Numbers 10:33](/numbers/10-33 "Numbers 10:33 - The Ark Goes Before Them")), Moses acknowledged that it was not Israel's strength, strategic planning, or sheer numbers that would ensure their safety and progress, but God's direct intervention. This prayer served to constantly remind the people that Yahweh was their true leader, vanguard, and warrior, actively clearing the path and defeating any opposition. It instilled a rhythm of radical reliance and trust in God's active leadership throughout their wilderness wanderings, reinforcing His covenant faithfulness.

**Is this prayer relevant for believers today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While New Covenant believers no longer have a physical Ark of the Covenant to lead them, the profound theological principles embedded in Moses' prayer remain profoundly relevant and applicable. Believers today face spiritual "enemies" (as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")) and navigate a world fraught with various challenges, temptations, and adversities. This prayer teaches us to: 1) Acknowledge God's active, immanent presence and sovereign leadership in every aspect of our lives, inviting Him into every decision, venture, and struggle. 2) Trust in God as our divine protector and warrior against spiritual forces of evil, the power of sin, and the fear of death. 3) Practice radical dependence on God, understanding that our true victories and breakthroughs come from His power, not our own efforts or abilities. Just as God was unequivocally "for" Israel (as affirmed in [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")), He is for us, and we can confidently pray for His intervention to scatter the forces that oppose His will and our well-being, knowing that He fights on our behalf.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 10:35 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Moses called upon Yahweh to "rise up" and scatter His enemies, Jesus is the very embodiment of God rising up in human flesh. He is Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), the ultimate and permanent presence of God leading His new covenant people. The Ark symbolized God's presence leading Israel through a physical wilderness; Christ *is* God's presence, leading His church not through a geographical wilderness but through the spiritual journey of life, guiding them towards the heavenly Promised Land. Jesus, through His decisive death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, definitively "rose up" and secured an eternal victory over all spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") powerfully declares that He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." Similarly, [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death") states that He shared in humanity to destroy "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery." The ancient prayer for enemies to be scattered and flee is realized in Christ's decisive victory, which secured the ultimate rout of all who oppose God's kingdom. As the conquering King, depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse"), Jesus is the one who leads His people, scattering all who hate God and oppose His righteous reign, ensuring the final triumph of His church and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 68:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm [or] Song of David. Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.

Psalms 68:2

As smoke is driven away, [so] drive [them] away: as wax melteth before the fire, [so] let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

Deuteronomy 7:10

And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.

Psalms 132:8

Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.

Deuteronomy 32:41

If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.

Isaiah 17:12

¶ Woe to the multitude of many people, [which] make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, [that] make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!

Isaiah 17:14

And behold at eveningtide trouble; [and] before the morning he [is] not. This [is] the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us.