Tyndale Open Study NotesNumbers 2

Israel organized its camps by tribal groups. This probably addressed social status, water access, and security for the Tent of Meeting. This tent represented the Lord's presence. The Egyptian army from around the same time period used a similar defensive formation to protect holy objects during their battle campaigns.

• Each area of the Hebrew camp had family banners, probably flags or streamers (1:52). Modern Bedouins also use tribal symbols or battle flags. This shows the continued importance of tribe, clan, and family divisions.

• The tribes camped around the holy place at a safe distance (compare Joshua 3:4). This respected the distinction between God's holiness and the non-Levitical tribes.

The tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun camped in the most important spot on the east side of the Tent of Meeting. They led when Israel traveled. This largest tribal group had 186,400 people. It could protect the holy tent and its assistants very well.

The tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad camped on the south. They had 151,450 soldiers and marched second in line.

The tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin followed the Tent of Meeting and the Levites.

The tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali were in the back.

At first, the Hebrews obeyed God's commands by camping and marching as Moses instructed. Yet, they soon stopped being obedient.