Definition: And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 2:34. It’s a really important passage about how the Israelites initially moved into the Promised Land. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they followed Moses’ instructions and started moving to Canaan (the land God promised) after the Exodus. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses…” This tells us that the Israelites were following Moses' guidance – his leadership. It’s a reminder that they were under his direction. “…so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families…” This is where it gets interesting. They started moving together , but with a crucial part: “every one after their families.” This means they were moving in groups, following the traditions and customs of their families. It was a way to maintain a sense of identity and connection to their past. So, what’s the big picture? It's a bit complicated, but this verse shows that initially, the Israelites were focused on keeping their family ties and traditions while also following Moses’ instructions. They weren’t completely independent yet – they still had their own ways of doing things. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a somewhat primitive form of tribalism. It highlights a tendency for people to prioritize group loyalty over individual freedom and independence, which would eventually lead to challenges in the future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss its historical context (why it was important at that time)? Compare it to a similar idea found elsewhere in the Bible?