The tribes

Camp Organization: The tribes were given specific places to camp around the tabernacle as they were organized from former slaves into a traveling nation.

The Tribe of Levi: The Levites were treated differently and were not counted with the fighting men; instead, they were assigned responsibilities for caring for and transporting the tabernacle.

Travel Guidance: Israel did not choose when to travel on their own; when the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they prepared to move, and when it stayed, the people stayed.

The Silver Trumpets: God instructed Moses to make two silver trumpets, which were used to signal different instructions, such as calling the community together or telling sections of the camp when it was time to move.

Journey to Paran: After nearly a year near Mount Sinai, the cloud lifted, the camp packed up, and Israel began traveling toward the wilderness of Paran.

The Book of Numbers: The book gets its name because Israel is counted, with God instructing Moses to take a census of men 20 years old and older who could serve in Israel's army.