Numbers 9:18 (BSB)

At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped. As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle, they remained encamped.

From Numbers 9. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Numbers 9:18

• John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on Numbers 9:18: 18. At the commandment of the Lord. “At the mouth of the Lord.” — Lat. The mouth is here used by metonymy for the speech; nor does there appear to me to be so much harshness in the Hebraism, but that it may be appropriately retained. But it is asked whether God actually spoke or not; for the word mouth is often repeated.
• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Numbers 9:15-23: We have here the history of the cloud; not a natural history: who knows the balancings of the clouds? but a divine history of a cloud that was appointed to be the visible sign and symbol of God's presence with Israel. I.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Numbers 9:18: And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days,.... Or years, for days are sometimes put for years, and in some places the cloud tarried several years; or however, if it stayed but a month or a year in any place, as in Num 9:22, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not; they not only kept...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Numbers 9:15-23: A CLOUD GUIDES THE ISRAELITES. (Num 9:15-23) the cloud covered the tabernacle--The inspired historian here enters on an entirely new subject, which might properly have formed a separate chapter, beginning at this verse and ending at Num 10:29 [CALMET]. The cloud was a visible token of God's special presence and guardian care of the Israelites (Exo 14:20; Psa 105:39).