Even when the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for many days, the Israelites would keep their obligation to the Lord and not set out.

See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many,

But the king of Edom said, “You shall not pass through [my territory].” And Edom came out against Israel with many people and a strong hand.

Then the Lord sent fiery (burning) serpents among the people; and they bit the people, and many Israelites died.

So Moab was terrified because of the people, for they were numerous. Moab was overcome with fear because of the sons of Israel.

“Water [that is, great blessings] will flow from his buckets,
And his offspring will live by many waters,
And his king will be higher than Agag,
And his kingdom shall be exalted.

As for the cities which you shall give from the possession of the Israelites, from the larger tribes you shall take many and from the smaller tribes few; each tribe shall give [at least some] of its cities to the Levites in proportion to [the size of] its inheritance which it possesses.”