42 This is the same Hebrew expression that was used earlier for the Levites “keeping their charge” or more clearly, “fulfilling their obligations” to take care of the needs of the people and the sanctuary. It is a general expression using שָׁמַר (shamar) followed by its cognate noun מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mishmeret).

In other versions

Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out.

When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order and did not set out.

Even when the cloud stayed over the tabernacle many days, the Israelites carried out the Lord’s requirement and did not set out.

If the cloud remained over the Tabernacle for a long time, the Israelites stayed and performed their duty to the Lord.

And when the cloud prolonged on the tabernacle many days the Israelites kept the kept requirement of Yahweh and did not set out.

And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not.

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