Numbers 11:24—Why Did Moses 'Go Out'? Solving the Tabernacle Puzzle

In this episode Lance Smith examines an apparent contradiction between Numbers 2 and Numbers 11 about whether the tabernacle was inside or outside Israel's camp. He explains the camp's arrangement—with the tabernacle at the center, Levites surrounding it, and the tribes camped in four groups—and why the phrase “Moses went out” refers to leaving a tribal section toward the center.

The episode shows how that layout resolves the difficulty, highlights God’s presence in the midst of his people, and notes how the Spirit moved freely when 70 elders (and two who stayed back) began to prophesy.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: [email protected] 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Farber, Zev. “The Other Ohel Moed.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-other-ohel-moed
3. Guzik, David. Enduring Word Bible Commentary on Numbers 11. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/numbers/numbers-11.cfm
4. Jeon, Jaeyoung. “Israel’s Wilderness Camp Modeled on the Persian Military Formation.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/israels-wilderness-camp-modeled-on-the-persian-military-formation
5. “Tabernacle Camp of Israel.” Bible Discovery TV, June 9, 2021. https://biblediscoverytv.com/history/2021/tabernacle-camp-of-israel/
6. Tsegaw, Melak A. “An Inquiry into the Historicity of the Tabernacle in Ancient Israel.” American Journal of Biblical Theology, Volume 20 (03), January 20, 2019. https://www.biblicaltheology.com/Research/TsegawMA01.pdf