Summary: Avital Hochstein. The description of the structure of the way that Israel travelled in the wilderness presents a model of how a people should move, not just physically but also socially, intellectually, politically, and spiritually. The verses speak of a number of desirable or necessary components of what it takes to be a moral, responsible nation while in a dynamic state. A moving nation needs to have a group that is concerned with maintaining order even at times of change, needs to have a group that can defend itself against external threats, and needs to have an inclusive space, even for those for whom change is challenging.
