Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the LORD they remained in camp; then according to the command of the LORD they set out.
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.
Commenting on Numbers 9:15-23
And so it was when the cloud abode from even unto the morning,.... The whole night, during which time they rested in their beds: and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed; whether it was by day or night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed; whether at morning or midnight; for sometimes, as Aben Ezra observes, they travelled...
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).
Commenting on Numbers 9:15-23