Numbers 2

Here in this chapter we read of the arrangement of the tribes of Israel and the tabernacle when they are to camp and when they are to march and journey.

If you look at it from the top, the formation of the tribes of Israel would look like a cross with the tabernacle at the center. Discipline and order marked Israel as they camped and journeyed.

The tabernacle was set up in such a way that its entrance was facing east and the back end of it was facing west. If you look at it from the top, east would be on the right side, while, west, would be on the left side. Imagine a rectangle set horizontally from your vantage point. The right end of it would be east, while the left end of it would be west.

Four groups with a leading tribe would encamped each side of the tabernacle. Each group would be composed of three tribes with one tribe as the leader. Each side would have a flag bearing the name of the leading tribe on it.

Again, looking at it from the top, on the right side or on the east of the tabernacle, the tribes that would be camping are Judah (the leading tribe) Issachar and Zebulun. Their total armies are 186,400. Should they break camp and journey, this group would go first.

On the south side, the tribes that would be camping are Reuben (the leading tribe) Simeon and Gad. Their total armies are 151,450. Should they break camp and journey, this group would go second.

On the west side, to the left of the tabernacle, the tribes that would be camping are Ephraim (the leading tribe) Manasseh and Benjamin. Their total armies are 108,100. This group would go third.

On the north side, the tribes that would be camping are Dan (the leading tribe) Asher and Napthali. Their total armies are 157,600.

All in all their armies number 603550.

The Levites would camp on the three sides of the tabernacle nearer than that of the other tribes with Moses and company camping at the entrance of the tabernacle. As they march and journey, looking at it from the top, the tabernacle would be in the middle of the procession, with the first and second group before it and the third and fourth group behind it.