Organization of tribes

Numbers Chapter 2

The Lord told Moses and Aaron to assign each tribe its own area of the camp. Each group would have their own family banner and the Tabernacle would be at the center of the tribal compounds.

The divisions of Judah, Issachar and Zebulun were to be toward the sunrise on the east of the Tabernacle beneath their banner. These three tribes lead the way whenever the Israelites moved to a new campsite.

The tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad were camped on the south side of the Tabernacle beneath their banner. These three tribes would be second in line whenever the Israelites traveled.

The Levites were set out from the middle camp by the Tabernacle. And all tribes were to travel in the same order they camped, carrying the family banner.

The tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin were to camp west of the Tabernacle beneath their family banner.

The tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali were to camp on the north side of the Tabernacle beneath their family banner.

The troops of Israel numbered 603,550. With the Levites exempt from the census by God's command.

BIBLE NOTES show that the tribes were organized in this manner for the reasons: 1. it was a good way to manage and govern a large group 2. it made dividing the Promised Land easier and 3. it was part of the culture and heritage (people were not known before by a last name, but by their family, clan, and tribe) 4. it made it easier to keep detail of the genealogies which proved membership in God's chosen people 5. it made travel more efficient for people to travel under a banner and thus stay together and not get lost. The arrangement made me think that God was (foreshadowing) forming a barricade around the Tabernacle for something yet to come. Surrounding it with warriors against those who might try to destroy something mighty.

The campsite must have been enormous and Moses must have had a hard time managing such a large group of people. Notes show that in the beginning the people were more compliant, but later as they struggled in the wilderness, they began to complain and disobey.

How does this chapter relate to us in today's world? I guess it shows how much we can accomplish when we stick together as a group (tribe). It shows how much God can work through us. Safety in numbers. No straying. Sort of like teamwork with God as our team leader. Your tribe can be your church or your family. Closeness may bring a familiarity with the word of God and cause us to be more compliant in our faith. By his grace we can conquer anything!

Yours in Christ,
Mary