It’s a seeming contradiction that the ancient rabbis grappled with. How do we reconcile these verses?

The Sifrei Bamidbar, a collection of legal and narrative interpretations on the Book of Numbers, offers a beautiful explanation in section 84. It suggests that these verses aren't contradictory at all, but rather describe a collaborative process, a cosmic dance between the divine and the human.

Think of it this way: When the Israelites were ready to travel, signaled by the divine word, the pillar of cloud – that visible manifestation of God’s presence – would fold up, ready to go. But it wouldn't actually move until Moses spoke the words, "Stand, O L-rd." Similarly, when it was time to rest, the pillar of cloud would fold up, preparing to settle. But it wouldn't spread out and cover the encampment until Moses declared, "Rest, O L-rd."

So, both verses are true. "By the word of the L-rd they encamped and by the word of the L-rd they traveled," and "Moses said: Stand, O L-rd… Rest, O L-rd." It's a partnership, a perfect example of "by the mouth of the L-rd, by the hand of Moses," as the text says.

But there's more. The Sifrei Bamidbar dives deeper into the meaning of Moses' words, "And when it came to rest, he said…" Moses, in his immense humility and dedication to his people, was essentially saying: "I will not allow the Shechinah (שכינה), the divine presence, to rest until Israel travels in thousands and rests in ten thousands, until Israel becomes thousands of ten thousands, like the stars of heaven." It’s a powerful vision of growth and expansion, of Israel fulfilling its potential.

And then, a fascinating parallel is drawn. Just as the Shechinah only rests on high amidst "two thousands and two ten thousands" – a concept drawn from Psalm 68:18, "the chariots of God are two ten thousands, two thousands" – so too, it only rests below when Israel is gathered in similar strength and numbers. The earthly and the heavenly realms mirror each other.

What does this all mean? It suggests that our actions, our growth, our striving to become "thousands of ten thousands," are not just for ourselves. They are essential for bringing the divine presence into the world, for allowing the Shechinah to dwell among us.

It’s a profound thought, isn’t it? That our own journeys, our own striving for growth, are intimately connected to the divine presence in the world. That just as Moses' words were needed to set the pillar of cloud in motion, our actions are needed to bring the Shechinah to rest among us. So, what are we waiting for?