Moses said to Hobab, son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite: “We’re setting out for the place the Lord promised: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.”

Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out.

When you sound short blasts a second time, the camps pitched on the south are to set out. Short blasts are to be sounded for them to set out.

The Kohathites then set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.