³⁷ but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted.

¹⁹ When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order^(A) and did not set out.^{(B) 20} Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. ²¹ Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. ²² Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.