After a detailed breakdown of the Israelite camp's structure, a final summary establishes the exact procedure for how the tribes moved through the desert. The primary approach among commentators is that this summary does not list the geographical stops along the way, as their time in the desert was far from over. Instead, it defines the precise marching order and specific position of every tribe and flag [רש״י, מזרחי, גור אריה, שפתי חכמים]. This arrangement was not meant for a single trip. It established a permanent, fixed pattern that dictated how they would travel throughout all their years of wandering [אבן עזרא, ביאור יש״ר, רש ר הירש].
The conclusion of the account acts as a clear declaration that the Israelites physically set out on that exact day, the twentieth of the second month [רש״י, מזרחי, רש ר הירש, ביאור יש״ר]. While earlier records mentioned their travel, those instances referred only to the preparations, the signal to move, or the lifting of the protective cloud. Now, the focus shifts to the actual departure itself [גור אריה, שפתי חכמים]. Some explain that this represents the third and final stage of setting out, prompted by the call of Moses and guided by the movement of the cloud [העמק דבר]. Others add that on this specific day, the people embarked on a highly accelerated journey, covering a distance of three days in just one [משכיל לדוד].
On a deeper level, a parallel exists between this departure and the journey of Jacob in the book of Genesis. Just as a profound fear of God fell upon the cities surrounding Jacob, a similar terror gripped the nations of the world as the massive Israelite camp began to move. Yet, a fundamental difference remains. Jacob's departure is highlighted upfront, reflecting how he had completely removed idol worship from his household, allowing him to travel proudly with the Divine Presence leading the way. In contrast, the departure of the Israelites is noted only after the entire camp's formation is detailed. This delayed focus serves as a subtle reference to the tribe of Dan, who traveled at the very rear of the camp and carried the taint of idol worship. Because of this, the protective cloud pushed them out, leaving them vulnerable and exposed to the attacks of Amalek [קיצור בעל הטורים].