Numbers 10:35Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In His role as mediator, He serves as our advocate and atoning sacrifice before the Father, resembling Moses of old, who, when he lifted the ark, proclaimed, ‘Arise, O Lord, and your enemies will be scattered, and those who hate you will flee from your presence.’ When the ark came to rest, he declared, ‘Return, O Lord, to the thousands and darknesses of Israel!’ When the Only-begotten came to assist us, echoing the words of the ancient Psalmist, ‘For the suffering of the poor and the sighing of the needy I will now rise, saith the Lord’ (Psalm 11:6), the foes were defeated, and those who opposed us, along with all who confronted the glory of God, were driven away. For on the cross, He vanquished the rulers and authorities, and through His death, He rendered ineffective the ruler of this world, as stated (John 12:31, 16:11; Heb. 2:14).

It was essential for the wandering Israelites to possess a means of military engagement, as they encountered adversaries along their journey, requiring them to seize the promised land through conflict. Thus, when the tabernacle of vision and the entire camp began their march, Moses offered a prayer for battle, saying, "Arise, O Lord, and let Thy enemies be scattered" (Num. 10:35). In front of the sacred sanctuary of this temple, specifically the tabernacle of God's covenant, Israel advanced against the Midianites and utterly defeated them without losing a single soldier. In the presence of this holy site, the waters of the Jordan were miraculously parted, allowing Israel to enter and conquer the promised land.