Numbers 2 commentary

The tribes were to encamp about the tabernacle, which was to be in the midst of them. It was a token of God's gracious presence. Yet they were to pitch their tents afar off, in reverence to the sanctuary. The children of Israel put themselves in their posts, without murmuring or disputing; and as it was their safety, so it was their beauty. It is our duty and interest to be contented with the place allotted to us, and to endeavour to occupy it in a proper manner, without envying or murmuring; without ambition or covetousness. Thus the gospel church ought to be compact, according to the Scripture model, every one knowing and keeping his place; and then all that wish well to the church rejoice, beholding their order, Col 2:5.

1. And the Lord spake unto Moses, and unto Aaron This distribution into separate bands must have served to prevent contention; for, had not God thus assigned to each their proper position, so natural is ambition to man, that they would have quarrelled for the place of honor. It would have been grievous to the family of Reuben, the first-born, to resign his dignity; and, even if they had patiently submitted to the punishment inflicted upon them, they would have been made to take the lowest place, as being condemned to ignominy. Disputes would also have arisen respecting the children of the concubines, for they would not have thought it consistent that; those who sprang from Leah and Rachel should yield them the superior place. Besides, in proportion as they severally had the advantage in numbers, they would have thought themselves injured unless they preceded others.

Thus the children of Simeon would never have suffered themselves to be ranged under the standard of Reuben. Again, dispute would also have arisen between the children of Ephraim and Manasseh. God, therefore, at once put a stop to all these disturbances by so arranging their ranks that each one knew his own band. Consequently, Judah, although the fourth son of Leah, received the first standard as an honorable distinction, that he might thus in a manner begin to fulfill the prophecy of Jacob by anticipation; and two tribes were united with him which would willingly submit to his rule, Issachar and Zebuhm; because they derived their origin from the children of the This is a singular oversight of C., which is also copied in the French; “Pource qu’elles estoyent descendues de la chambriere de Lea;” because they were descended from the handmaid of Leah. It is perhaps still more strange that Attersoll in his Commentary on the Book of Numbers should have adopted it, evidently following C.; “He (Judah) was the fourth son of Jacob by Leah, with whom he associateth such two tribes as were in reason most likely to submit themselves to him, inasmuch as Zebulun and Issachar were the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maid, whom she gave to her husband, and set in her own place.” I need scarcely remind my readers that Gad and Asher were the sons of Zilpah, and Zebulun and Issachar of Leah herself. handmaid whom Leah had substituted in her own place.

Although Reuben had been deprived of his primogeniture, still, that some consolation might remain for his posterity, he was set over the second standard; two tribes were associated with him, which on account of their connection would not be aggrieved at fighting under his command, the tribe of Simeon his uterine brother, and the tribe of Gad, which also sprang from the handmaid of Leah.

It was necessary that God should interpose His authorify, in order that two tribes should be formed of a single head, Joseph; otherwise the fact would have led to contention, because the inequality was odious in itself, and that family might appear to be elevated not without disgrace to the others. Besides, the children of Manasseh, who were superior by the law of nature, would never have been induced to obey, unless a divine decree had interposed. But thtat division could not have been better formed than of the sons of Rachel, because their consanguinity was closer; for a sharp contest might also have arisen for the leadership of the fourth band, because it was unjust that the son of a handmaid should have been placed at its head, and thus preferred to a legitimate son of Leah, and to the other son of Rachel, especially when Benjamin was so singularly beloved by Jacob, the common father of them all. Attersoll seems to have correctly, though somewhat quaintly, interpreted here the meaning of C., which else perhaps may not be quite clear; “from hence might hurly-burlies and heart-burnings arise, which are all pacified and compounded by the express commandment of God, who joineth to Dan, Naphtali his mother’s son, (for both of them were the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s maid,) and Asher, the son of Zilpah, Leah’s maid.” — Commentary on numbers in loco. The sole will of God, indeed, was sufficient, and more than sufficient to prevent all quarrels; but, inasmuch as He chose rather to rule over them generously and paternally, than in a despotic manner, He rather conformed Himself to their wishes than drove them by compulsion. Still, however, because their contentions could not be prevented by mere human decisions, it is again said at the end of the chapter that Moses did nothing except by God’s command. At the same time the obedience of the people is noticed in that they peaceably obeyed Moses, since thus they ratified their acknowledgment of Moses as a true and faithful minister of God; for this submissiveness is the inseparable companion of sincere piety towards God, that whatever is proposed by His approved ministers the people should reverently accept.

Numbers 3

Numbers 3:1-51

1. These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses, in the day that the Lord spake with Moses in mount Sinai.

1. Hae sunt generationes Aharon et Mosis ex quo loquutus est Jehova ad Mosen in monte Sinai.

2. And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the first-born, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

2. Hac autem sunt nomina filiorum Aharon: primogenitus Nadab, et Ahihu, Eleazar et Ithamar.

3. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office.

3. Ista sunt nomina filiorum Aharon sacerdotum unctorum, quorum consecraverat manum ut sacerdotio fungerentur.

4. And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered fire before the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aaron their father.

4. Mortuus est autem Nadab et Abihu eoram Jehova, quando obtulerunt ignem externum coram Jehova in deserto Sinai: et filii non fuerunt eis, ae sacerdotio functus est Eleazar et Ithamar coram Aharone patre suo.

5. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

5. Loquutus est autem Jehova ad Mosen, dicendo:

6. Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.

6. Appropinquare fac tribum Levi, et stare facias eam coram Aharone sacerdote, ut ministrent ei,

7. And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation, before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.

7. Et custodiant custodiam ejus, et custodiam universi coetus coram tabernaculo ecelesiae, ut exequantur cultum tabernaculi.

8. And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.

8. Custodiant quoque omnia utensilia tabernaculi ecclesiae, custodiamque filiorum Israel, et exequantur cultum tabernaculi.

9. And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron, and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.

9. Da inquam Levitas ipsi Aharon et illils ejus: dati, daft namque aunt illi a filiis Israel.

10. And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest’s office; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

10. Aharon autem et filios ejus praeticies, custodientque sacerdotium suum: externus sane qui accesserit, morietur.

11. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

11. Loquutus est praeterea Jehova ad Mosen, dicendo:

12. And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the first-born that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;

12. Ego quidera tuli Levitas e medio filiorum Israel loco omnis primogeniti quod aperit vulvam a filiis Israel: eruntque mei Levitae.

13. Because all the first-born are mine: for on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt, I hallowed unto me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast; mine they shall be: I am the Lord.

13. Meum namque est omne primogenitum: a die quo percussi omne primogenitum in terra AEgypti, sanctificavi mihi omne primogenitum in Israel: tam ex hominibus quam ex animalibus: mea erunt: ego Jehova.

14. And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,

14. Loquutus est insuper Jehova ad Mosen, dicendo:

15. Number the children of Levi, after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.

15. Numera filius Levi per domos patrum suorum, per familias suas: omnem masculum ab uno meuse et supra, numerabis.

16. And Moses numbered them, according to the word of the Lord, as he was commanded.

16. Numeravit itaque eos Moses juxta sermonem Jehovae, quemadmodum jussus fuerat.

17. And these were the sons of Levi, by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

17. Et fuermir isti filii Levi per nomina sua, Gerson, Cehath et Merari.

18. And these are the names of the sons of Gershon, by their families; Libni, and Shimei.

18. Haec autem sunt nomina filiorum Gerson per familias suas, Libni et Semei.

19. And the sons of Kohath, by their families; Amram, and Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

19. Porro filii Cehath per familias suas, Amram, et Jehor, Hebron et Uzziel.

20. And the sons of Merari, by their families; Mahli, and Mushi: these are the families of the Levites, according to the house of their fathers.

20. Filii vero Merari per familias suas, Mahali, et Muzi. Istae sunt familiae Levi per domos patrum suorum.

21. Of Gershon was the family of the Libnities, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites,

21. De Gerson, familia Libnitica, et familia Simitica: istte sunt familiae Gersoniticae.

22. Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them, were seven thousand and five hundred.

22. Numerati eorum secundmu numerum onmis masculi, a filio mensis et supra, numerati eormn, septem millia et quingenti.

23. The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.

23. Familiae Gersonitiem post tabernaculum castrametabuntur ad occidentem.

24. And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lad.

24. Et princeps domus patris Gersonitarum erit Eliasaph filius Lael.

25. And the charge of the sons of Gershon, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

25. Custodia autem filiorum Gerson in tabernaculo conventionis erit tabernaculum, et tentorium, operimentum ejus, aulaeum ostii tabernaculi conventionis.

26. And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it, for all the service thereof.

26. Cortinae item atrii, et aulaeum ostii atrii quod erat juxta tabernaculum, et juxta altare per circuitum, funes quoque ejus pro omni ministerio ejus.

27. And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.

27. Et ipsius Cehath erit familiae Amramitica, et familia Isharitica, et familia Hebronitica, et familia Uzzielitica: istae sunt familiae Cehathiticae.

28. In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.

28. Secundum numerum omn masculi a filio mensis et supra, fuerunt octo millia sexcenti, custodiente custodiam sanctuarii.

29. The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.

29. Familiae filiorum Cehath castrametabuntur ad latus tabernaculi ad meridiem.

30. And the chief of the house of father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.

30. Et princeps domus patris familiarum Cehathitarum erit Elisaphan filius Uzziel.

31. And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

31. Custodia autem eorum erit arca, et mensa, et candelabrum, et altaria, et vasa sanctitatis in quibus ministrabunt, et aulaeum, et universum opus ejus.

32. And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

32. Porro princeps principum Levitarum erit Eleazar filius Aharon sacerdotis: praefectura custodientium custodiam sanctitatis erit el.

33. Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.

33. Ipsius Merari erit familia Mahalitica, et familia Musitica. Istae sunt familiae Merari.

34. And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.

34. Numerati autem eorum secundum numerum ordinis masculi, ab uno mense et supra, sex millia et ducenti.

35. And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihael: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

35. Et princeps domus patris familiarum Merari erit Suriel filius Abihael: atque hi ad latus tabernaculi castrametabuntur ad Aquilonem.

36. And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,

36. Praefectura autem custodia filiorum Merari, tabulum tabernaculi, et vectes ejus, et columnae ejus, et bases qius, omniaque vasa ejus, et universum opus ejus.

37. And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.

37. Columnae quoque atrii per circuitum, et bases earum, et clavi earum, et funes earum.

38. But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

38. Qui vero castrametabuntur ante tabernaculuun, ad Orientem, in parte anteriore tabernaculi conventionis, ad orientem erunt Moses et Aharon, filiique ejus custodientes custodiam sanctuarii, pro custodia filiorum Israel: externus certe qui accesserit morietur.

39. All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord, throughout their families, all the males, from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.

39. Omnes numerati Levitarum, quos numeravit Moses et Aharon juxta sermonem Jehovae per familias eorum, omnes mares ab uno mense et supra, duo et viginti millia.

40 And the Lord said unto Moses, Number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.

40. Et dixit Jehova ad Mosen, Numera omne primogeniture masculmn filiorum Israel ab uno meuse et supra, et accipe humerum nominum eorum.

41. And thou shalt take the Levites for me, (I am the Lord,) instead of all the first-born among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.

41. Capiesque Levitas mihi (ego Jehova) loco omnium primogenitorumn filiorum Israel, et bestias Levitatum loeo omnium primogenitorum ex bestits filiorum Israel.

42. And Moses numbered, as the Lord commanded him, all the first-born among the children of Israel.

42. Numeravit itaque Moses quemadmodum ei paeceperat Jehova, omnem primogeniture in filiis Israel.

43. And all the first-born males, by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.

43. Fueruntque omnia primogenita mascula, secundum numerum nominum, ab uno filio mensis, et supra, per numeratos eorum, duo et viginti millia, et ducenti septuaginta tres.

44. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

44. Loquutusque est Jehova ad Mosen, dicendo:

45. Take the Levites instead of all the first-born among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the Lord.

45. Cape Levitas loco omnium primogenitorum in filiis Israel, et bestias Levitatum pro bestiis eorum, eruntque mei Levitae: ego Jehova.

46. And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the first-born of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;

46. Porro redemptiones ducentorum septuaginta trium redundant ultra Levitas, a primogenitis filiorum Israel.

47. Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll; after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)

47. Capies quinos siclos in singuls; capita, secundum siculum sanctuarii capies: viginti obolorum est siclus.

48. And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron, and to his sons.

48. Dabisque pecuniam illam Aharoni et filiis ejus, redemptiones eorum qui exuperant in illis.

49. And Moses took the redemption-money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites.

49. Accepit ergo Moses pecuniam redemptionis ab its qui superabant ultra redemptos Levitarum:

50. A primogenitis filiorum Israel accepit pecuniam mille trecentos sexaginta quinque siclos, secundum siclum sanctuarii.

50. Of the first-born of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and three score and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

51. And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to the word of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses.

51. Deditque Moses pecuniam redemptionum Aharoni et filiis ejus, juxta sermonem Jehovae, quemadmodum praeceperat illi Jehova.

CHAPTER 2

Nu 2:1-34. The Order of the Tribes in Their Tents.

2. Every man ... shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house--Standards were visible signs of a certain recognized form for directing the movements of large bodies of people. As the Israelites were commanded to encamp "each by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house," the direction has been considered as implying that they possessed three varieties: (1) the great tribal standards, which served as rallying points for the twelve large clans of the people; (2) the standards of the subdivided portions; and, (3) those of families or houses. The latter must have been absolutely necessary, as one ensign only for a tribe would not have been visible at the extremities of so large a body. We possess no authentic information as to their forms, material, colors, and devices. But it is probable that they might bear some resemblance to those of Egypt, only stripped of any idolatrous symbols. These were of an umbrella or a fanlike form, made of ostrich feathers, shawls, &c., lifted on the points of long poles, which were borne, either like the sacred central one, on a car, or on men's shoulders, while others might be like the beacon lights which are set on poles by Eastern pilgrims at night. Jewish writers say that the standards of the Hebrew tribes were symbols borrowed from the prophetic blessing of Jacob--Judah's being a lion, Benjamin's a wolf, &c. [Ge 49:3-24]; and that the ensigns or banners were distinguished by their colors--the colors of each tribe being the same as that of the precious stone representing that tribe in the breastplate of the high priest [Ex 28:17-21].

far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch--that is, "over against," at a reverential distance. The place of every tribe is successively and specifically described because each had a certain part assigned both in the order of march and the disposition of the encampment.

3. on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies--Judah, placed at the head of a camp composed of three tribes rallying under its standard, was said to have combined the united colors in the high priest's breastplate, but called by the name of Judah. They were appointed to occupy the east side and to take the lead in the march, which, for the most part, was in an easterly direction.

Nahshon--or Naasson (Mt 1:4; Lu 3:32, 33).

shall be captain--It appears that the twelve men who were called to superintend the census were also appointed to be the captains of their respective tribes--a dignity which they owed probably to the circumstances, formerly noticed, of their holding the hereditary office of head or "prince."

5. those that pitch next unto him--that is, on the one side.

7. Then the tribe of Zebulun--on the other side. While Judah's tribe was the most numerous, those of Issachar and Zebulun were also very numerous; so that the association of those three tribes formed a strong and imposing van.

10-31. On the south side the standard of the camp of Reuben--The description given of the position of Reuben and his attendant tribes on the south, of Ephraim and his associates on the west, of Dan and his confederates on the north, with that of Judah on the east, suggests the idea of a square or quadrangle, which, allowing one square cubit to each soldier while remaining close in the ranks, has been computed to extend over an area of somewhat more than twelve square miles. But into our calculations of the occupied space must be taken not only the fighting men, whose numbers are here given, but also the families, tents, and baggage. The tabernacle or sacred tent of their Divine King, with the camp of the Levites around it (see on Nu 3:38), formed the center, as does the chief's in the encampment of all nomad people. In marching, this order was adhered to, with some necessary variations. Judah led the way, followed, it is most probable, by Issachar and Zebulun [Nu 10:14-16]. Reuben, Simeon, and Gad formed the second great division [Nu 10:18-20]. They were followed by the central company, composed of the Levites, bearing the tabernacle [Nu 10:21]. Then the third and posterior squadron consisted of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin [Nu 10:22-24], while the hindmost place was assigned to Dan, Asher, and Naphtali [Nu 10:25-27]. Thus Judah's, which was the most numerous, formed the van: and Dan's, which was the next in force, brought up the rear; while Reuben's and Ephraim's, with the tribes associated with them respectively, being the smallest and weakest, were placed in the center. (See on Nu 10:13).

Every man - shall pitch by his own standard - Commentators, critics, philosophers, and professional men, have taken a great deal of pains to illustrate this chapter by showing the best method of encampment for such a vast number of men, and the manner in which they conceive the Israelites formed their camp in the wilderness. As God gave them the plan, it was doubtless in every respect perfect; and fully answered the double purpose of convenience and security. Scheuchzer has entered into this subject with his usual ability, and in very considerable detail. Following the plan of Reyher, as in the preceding chapter, he endeavors to ascertain the precise order in which the several tribes were disposed; and as his work is both scarce and dear, the reader will not be displeased - to meet here with a translation of all that refers to the subject.

Scheuchzer's Description and Plan of the Encampments of the Israelites in the Wilderness "If we form a proper idea of God, of his essence and his attributes, we shall easily perceive that this infinite and supreme Being wills and executes what his Divine wisdom appoints; in a word, we shall see that he is the God of order. This order displays itself in the perfection, arrangement, and assemblage of all created beings; in the construction of the earth which we inhabit, where every thing is formed in order, number, weight, and measure; and in all bodies, great and small. It is certain that Noah's ark is a perfect model of naval architecture. The temple of Solomon, and that of Ezekiel were likewise masterpieces in their kind. But at present we are to consider the Divine arrangement of the Israelitish camp, and the manner in which it was formed. "The Israelitish army was divided Into three principal divisions. The first, which was the least in extent, but the strongest and the most powerful, occupied the center of the army: this was the throne of God, i. e., the Tabernacle. The second, which was composed of the priests and Levites, surrounded the first. The third, and the farthest from the center, took in all the other tribes of Israel, who were at least about a mile from the tabernacle. For it appears from Josephus, iii. 4, that the nearest approach they dared make to the ark, except during the time of worship, was a distance of 2,000 cubits. The reverence due to the Divine Majesty, the numerous army of the Israelites, composed of 600,000 soldiers, with their families, which made about 3,000,000 souls, naturally demanded a considerable extent of ground. We are not to imagine that all these families pitched their tents pell-mell, without order, like beasts, or as the troops of Tartary, and the eastern armies; on the contrary, their camp was divided according to the most exact rules. And we cannot even doubt that their camp was laid out, and the place of every division and tribe exactly assigned by some engineers, or geometricians, before the army stopped to encamp, in order that every person might at once find his own quarter, and the road he ought to take to reach the other tents. "Four divisions, which faced the four quarters of the heavens, each with his own ensign, formed the center of the army. Judah was placed on the east, and under him he had Issachar and Zebulun; on the south was Reuben, and under him Simeon and Gad: on the west was Ephraim, and under him Manasseh and Benjamin; finally, Dan was on the north, and he had under him Asher and Naphtali. It has been pretended by some that these four principal divisions were not alone distinguished by their ensigns, but that each particular tribe had likewise its standard or ensign. On this subject we might refer to the Talmudists, who have gone so far as to define the colors, and the figures or arms, of the very ensigns. They pretend that on that of Judah a lion was painted, with this inscription: 'Rise, Lord, let thine enemies be dispersed, and let those that hate thee flee before thee;' and they found this description of Judah's ensign in Gen 49:9. They give to Issachar an ass, Gen 49:14; to Zebulun a ship, Gen 49:13; to Reuben a river, Gen 49:4, (others give Reuben the figure of a man); to Simeon a sword, Gen 49:5; to Gad a lion, Deu 33:20; to Ephraim a unicorn, Deu 33:17; an ox to Manasseh, Deu 33:17; a wolf to Benjamin, Gen 49:27; and a serpent to Dan, Gen 49:17, though others give him an eagle. In short, they pretend that the ensign of Asher was a handful of corn, Gen 49:20, and that of Naphtali a stag, Gen 49:21. "To prove that the sums here are correctly added, we have but to join together the detached numbers, and see if they agree with the total. The text will furnish us with an example of this: there was in the quarter of: -

Judah 186,400 Num 2:9 Reuben 151,450 Num 2:16 Ephraim 108,100 Num 2:24 Dan 157,600 Num 2:31 "Among other things we must remark that rule of military tactics which requires that the advanced and rear guards should be stronger than the center. "In a well-regulated camp, cleanliness is considered indispensably necessary; this is particularly remarkable in the Israelitish army, where the most exact order was maintained. Hence every person who had any kind of disease, and those who were reputed unclean, were forbidden to enter it; Num 5:2, Num 5:3; Deu 23:10. "Those who have the health of men, and of a whole army confided to them, are not ignorant that diseases may be easily produced by putrid exhalations from excrementitious matter; and that such matter will produce in camps pestilential fevers and dysenteries. For this reason, care should be always taken that offices, at a distance from the camp, be provided for the soldiers, and also that those who are sick should be separated from the others, and sent to hospitals to be properly treated. "In military tactics we find two distinct wings spoken of; the right and the left. The Israelitish army not only had them on one side, as is customary, but on all their four sides. On the eastern side, the tribe of Issachar formed the right, that of Zebulun the left, and that of Judah the center. On the south, Simeon formed the right wing, Gad the left, and Reuben the center. Towards the west, Manasseh composed the right, Benjamin the left, and Ephraim the center. And on the north, Asher was on the right wing, Naphtali on the left wing, and Dan in the center.

Notwithstanding this, however, the army was not in danger of being easily broken; for every tribe being numerous, they were supported by several ranks, in such a manner that the first being broken, the second was capable of making resistance; and if the second gave way, or shared the same fate as the first, it found itself supported by the third, and so on with the rest. The square form in which the Jewish army was ordinarily placed, was the very best for security and defense. The use and importance of the hollow square in military tactics is well known. "For so large a multitude of people, and for so numerous an army, it was needful that all the necessary articles of life should be prepared beforehand, or be found ready to purchase. In these respects nothing was wanting to the Israelites. Their bread came down to them from heaven, and they had besides an abundance of every thing that could contribute to magnificence. If we may credit Josephus, they had amongst them public markets, and a variety of shops. Ant., i. iii. c. 12, sec. 5. The tabernacle being erected, it was placed in the midst of the camp, each of the three tribes stretching themselves on the wings, and leaving between them a sufficient space to pass. "It was, says Josephus, like a well appointed market where every thing was ready for sale in due order, and all sorts of artificers kept their shops; so that this camp might be considered a movable city. "In Exo 32:27 we likewise find that mention is made of the gates of the camp: 'Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp.' From whence we may certainly conclude that if the camp had gates, the Israelites had also sentinels to guard them. If this be true, we may also believe that they were surrounded with entrenchments, or that at least their gates were defended by some fortifications. Sagittarius (de Jan. Vet., c. 18. 10) pretends that the tabernacle was not only guarded by the Levites, but that there were likewise sentinels at the gates, and at the entrance of the Israelitish camps. See the note on Exo 32:27. "If we examine and compare the camp of Israel with that of our most numerous armies, which in these days are composed of 100,000 or of 150,000 men, we cannot but consider it of vast extent. The Jews say it was twelve miles in circumference; this is not at all improbable, and consequently the front of each wing must be three miles in extent. But taking in the tents, the soldiers and their numerous families, the beasts of burden, the cattle, and the goods, it certainly must have formed a very considerable enclosure, much more than twelve miles. See the notes on Exo 12:37, and Exo 13:18 (note). Reyher (Math. Mos., p. 568) assigns to the Tribe of Judah, A space of 298 2/5 cubits in breadth and 250 in length - Which makes 74,600 square cubits. "We must observe that we are here merely speaking of the ground which the soldiers of this tribe occupied whilst remaining close to each other in their ranks, and that in this computation there is but one cubit square allowed for each man; wherefore, if we take in the arrangement of the soldiers, the tents, the necessary spaces, the families, the beasts of burden, and the movables, a much larger extent of ground is requisite. All those circumstances do not come into Reyher's calculation. He continues thus: -

For the tribe of Issachar, 217 3/5cubits in breadth 250 in length - Total 54,400 square cubits.

For the tribe of Gad, 140 5/11 cubits in breadth 325 in length - Total 45,650 square cubits.

For the tribe of Zebulun, 229 3/4 cubits in breadth 250 in length - Total 57,400 square cubits.

For the tribe of Ephraim, 202 1/2 cubits in breadth 200 in length - Total 40,500 square cubits.

For the tribe of Reuben, 143 1/5 cubits in breadth 325 in length - Total 46,500 square cubits.

For the tribe of Manasseh, 161 cubits in breadth 200 in length - Total 32,200 square cubits.

For the tribe of Simeon, 182 6/13 cubits in breadth 325 in length - Total 59,300 square cubits.

For the tribe of Benjamin, 177 cubits in breadth 200 in length - Total 35,400 square cubits.

For the tribe of Dan, 156 3/4 cubits in breadth 400 in length - Total 62,700 square cubits.

For the tribe of Asher, 103 3/4 cubits in breadth 400 in length - Total 41,500 square cubits.

For the tribe of Naphtali, 133 1/2 cubits in breadth 400 in length - Total 53,400 square cubits. "If we make the ichnography, or even the scenography, of the camp on this plan, in following it we must first, in the center, form a parallelogram of 100 cubits long and 50 broad for the court of the tabernacle with an empty space all round of 50 cubits broad. We must then place the camp of the Levites in the following order: -

To the west, the Gershonites, Num 3:22, Num 3:23. Breadth 30 cubits Length 250 cubits - Total 7,500

To the south, the Kohathites, Num 3:28, Num 3:29. Breadth 86 cubits Length 100 cubits - Total 8,600

To the north, the Merarites, Num 3:34, Num 3:35. Breadth 62 cubits Length 100 cubits - Total 6,200 "On the east we must place tents for Moses, Aaron, and his sons, Num 3:38. "At the place where the camp of the Levites ends, a space must be left of 2,000 square cubits, after which we must take the dimensions of the camp of the twelve tribes. "This plan is in the main well imagined, but it does not afford an ichnography of sufficient extent. To come more accurately to a proper understanding of this subject, I shall examine the rules that are now in use for encampments, and compare them afterward with what is laid down in the Holy Scriptures, in order that we may hereby form to ourselves an idea of the camp of God, the grandeur and perfection of which surpassed every thing of the kind ever seen. I shall now mention what I am about to propose as the foundation upon which I shall proceed. "In Exo 18:21, Deu 1:15, we find the advice given by Jethro to Moses respecting political government and military discipline: 'Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.' [See the note on Exo 18:21]. We may very well compare these tribunes, or rather these chiliarchs, to our colonels, the centurions or hecatontarchs to commanders or captains, the quinquagenaries or pentecontarchs to lieutenants, and the decurions or decarchs to our sergeants. These chiefs, whether they were named magistrates or officers, were each drawn from his own particular tribe, so that it was not permitted to place over one tribe an officer taken from another. Whatever matter the decarchs could not decide upon or terminate, went to the pentecontarchs, and from thence by degrees to the hecatontarchs, to the chiliarchs, to Moses, and at length to God himself, the sovereign head of the army. If we divide the whole army (such as it was at its departure from Egypt) by the numbers already laid down, we shall find 600 chiliarchs, 6,000 hecatontarchs, 12,000 pentecontarchs, 60,000 decarchs, which in all make 78,600 officers. Josephus regulates the number of them still more exactly by saying that there were chiefs set over 10,000, 1,000, 500, 50, 30, 20, and 10. We find this regulation in Ant. Jud., b. iii., c. 4: 'Take a review of the army, and appoint chosen rulers over tens of thousands, and then over thousands, then divide them into five hundreds, and again into hundreds, and into fifties, and set rulers over each of them who may distinguish them into thirties, and keep them in order; and at last number them by twenties and by tens, and let there be one commander over each number, to be denominated from the number of those over whom they are rulers.' "We ought not to pass over in silence this division by tens, for twice 10 make 20, three times 10, 30, five times 10, 50, ten times 10, 100, ten times 50, 500, ten times 1,000, 10,000. It was in this manner, as is pretended, that Cangu, the first of the great Khans, (as he is called), and after him Tamerlane, drew out an army, i.e., by 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000, mentioned in Alhazen, c. v. Probably these Tartars borrowed from the very Hebrews themselves this manner of laying out a camp. At all events it is certain that nothing more ancient of the kind can be found than that mentioned in the books of Moses. To distinguish it from that of the Greeks and Romans we may with justice call it the Hebrew castrametation, or, if we judge it more proper, the Divine castrametation, and consequently the most perfect of all. For although Moses places the pentecontarchs in the middle, between the hecatontarchs and the decarchs, i.e., 50 between 100 and 10; and although Josephus afterward places 1,000 between 500 and 10,000, and 30 and 20 between 10 and 50, this does not at all derange the progression by tens, which Is the foundation of arithmetic. These subaltern officers were equally useful and necessary, as we now see that their number, far from creating confusion, helps maintain order, and that the more there are of them the better is order preserved. According to the modern method of carrying on war, the next in rank to the generals of the army (who have the supreme command) are field marshals and brigadiers, who command 5,000 men.

There are then between the chiliarchs or colonels and the hecatontarchs or captains, lieutenant-colonels; and between the hecatontarchs and the decarchs, lieutenant-captains; and these have under them lieutenants and ensigns. "It is certain that this method of distributing an army by tens, and of encamping, which is very concise, has far greater advantages even with respect to expense than the very best plans of the Greeks, Romans, or any other ancient nation. On this subject we have the testimony of Simon Steven, Castrametat. c. 1, art. 1, and c. 4. art. 3, Oper. Math., p. 574 and 596, etc. According to this arrangement each soldier, or if more proper, each father of a family, being thus placed by ten and ten in a straight line one after the other, might very easily name themselves first, second, etc. Each troop in like manner might be distinguished by its ensigns, that of 100 might have them small, that of 1,000 larger, and that of 10,000 still larger. Every officer, from the lowest subaltern to the general officers of the camp, and even to the generalissimos themselves, had only an easy inspection of ten men each; the decarch had the inspection of 10 soldiers, the hecatontarch of 10 decarchs, and the chiliarch of 10 hecatontarchs. After the chiliarchs, which in no troop can amount to ten, there is the chief or head of each tribe. Each then exactly fulfilling the duty assigned him, we may suppose every thing to be in good order, even were the camp larger and more numerous. The same may be said respecting the contentions that might arise among the soldiers, as well as every thing relative to the general duty of the officers, as to the labors they were to undertake, whether for striking their tents for works of fortification or for making entrenchments. This arrangement might be easily retained in the memory, or a general list be kept of the names of both officers and soldiers to distribute to them their pay, and to keep exact accounts. "It was possible in one moment to know the number of those who were either wanting or were out of their ranks, and to avoid this disorder in future by obliging each man to attend to his duty and keep in his rank. If by chance it happened that any one man wished to desert or had escaped, it was easy to notice him and inflict on him the punishment he merited. The ensigns being distinguished by their marks, and the company being known, it was easy to find any soldier whatever. "The armies themselves might have certain marks to distinguish them, and by that means they might at once ascertain the person in question; for example: 8. 2. 7. 3. might signify the eighth soldier or father of a family, of the second rank, of the seventh company, in the third chiliad; 7. 3. 5. the halberdier of the decurion or sergeant of the seventh line, in the third company, of the fifth chiliad or thousand; 5. 8. the hecatontarchs or captains of the fifth company, in the eighth chiliad; 7. the chiliarchs or colonels of the seventh rank; 0. finally, the general of the whole army. Farther, by the same means the loss or misplacing of their arms might be prevented. Again, the soldiers might in a very short time be instructed and formed to the exercise of arms, each decad having its sergeant for its master; and the chariots or other carriages might easily be divided amongst several, 10 under the decurion, 100 under the hecatontarch; and by thus following the above method, every thing might be kept in good order.

A Plan of the Whole Israelitish Camp "We shall finally, in one plate, represent the whole camp of the Israelites, in that order which appears the most proper. For this purpose we must extract the square roots of the preceding spaces, in order that we may be able to assign to each tribe square areas, or rectangular parallelograms. I therefore find for

Tribe Square Cubits Reuben 3049 Simeon 3443 The Gershonites 1224 The Kohathites 1311 The Merarites 1113 Judah 3862 Issachar 3298 Zebulun 3388 Gad 3019 Asher 2880 Manasseh 2537 Ephraim 2846 Benjamin 2660 Dan 3541 Naphtali 3268 "The tabernacle, which was 100 cubits long and 50 broad, I place in the center of the camp, at the distance of 840 feet from the camp of the Levites, which is placed exactly in the same manner as described in the sacred writings. I find therefore that the whole space of the camp is 259,600,000 feet. Now, according to the manner we have just divided the camp for each tribe, the sum total being 125,210,000, it follows that the space between the tents contained 134,390,000. If, with Eisenschmid, we estimate the Roman mile at 766 French fathoms and two feet, (consequently 21,141,604 square feet to a Roman square mile), the Israelitish camp will contain a little more than 12 such square miles." The reader will have the goodness to observe that the preceding observations, as well as the following plate or diagram, which was made by Scheuchzer on the exactest proportions, could not be accurately copied here without an engraved plate; and after all, the common reader could have profited no more by the plate than he can by the diagram. It is not even hoped that disquisitions of this kind can give any thing more than a general idea how the thing probably was; for to pretend to minute exactness, in such cases, would be absurd. The sacred text informs us that such and such tribes occupied the east, such the west, etc., etc.; but how they were arranged individually we cannot pretend absolutely to say. Scheuchzer's plan is such as we may suppose judgment and skill would lay down; but still it is very probable that the plan of the Israelites' castrametation was more perfect than any thing we can well imagine; for as it was the plan which probably God himself laid down, it must be in every respect what it ought to be, for the comfort and safety of this numerous multitude. As there are some differences between the mode of distributing the command of a large army among the British, and that used on the continent, which is followed by Scheuchzer, I shall lay down the descending scale of British commanders, which some may think applies better to the preceding arrangement of the Israelitish army than the other. The command of a large army in the British service is thus divided: -

1. The Commander-in-chief.

2. Lieutenant-generals, who command divisions of the army: (these divisions consist of 2 or 3 brigades each, which, on an average, amount to 5,000 men).

3. Major-generals, who command brigades: (these brigades consist of from 2 to 3,000 men [2,500 is perhaps the average] according to the strength of the respective regiments of which the brigade is composed).

4. Colonels in the army, or lieutenant-colonels, who command single regiments; they are assisted in the command of these regiments by the majors of the regiments. [I mention the major, that there may be no break in the descending scale of gradation of ranks, as in the event of the absence of the above two officers, he is the next in command].

5. Captains who command companies: these companies (on the war establishment) consist of 100 men each, and there are 10 companies in every regiment, consequently a colonel, or lieutenant-colonel, commands 1,000 men.

6. Lieutenants, of which there are 2 to every company

7. Ensign; 1 to each company.

The Lietuenants and ensigns are subaltern officers, having no command, but assisting the captain.

1. Commander-in-chief2. Lieutenant-generals commanding divisions of 5,000 each3. Major-generals, brigades 2,500. }} These are called general officers. 4. Colonels, lieutenant-colonels, and majors; }} Three officers belonging to each regiment in the service, and are solely employed in the disciplining and commanding the men; these are mounted on horseback, and termed field-officers. 5. 1 Captain 6. 2 Lieutenants7. 1 Ensign }} to each company

Ascending scale of ranks which every officer must pass through.

EnsignLieutenantCaptainMajorLieutenant-colonelColonel }} to every regiment Major-general, brigade-commander. Lieutenant-general, division-commander. General-in-chief, who commands the whole army Diagram of the Israelitish Camp

Though I particularly refer the reader to the above diagram (see Scheuchzer's plate #1) of the Israelitish camp, taken from Scheuchzer's plate, which I have thought necessary to be subjoined to his description, yet I think it also proper to introduce that on the next page (see Scheuchzer's plate #2), as it gives a general and tolerably correct idea of this immense camp, in the description of which the inspired writer has been so very particular; but still I must say these things are to be considered as probably, not as absolutely certain; as comprising a general view of what may be supposed probably, likely, and practicable.

The whole may be said to consist of three camps, viz.,

1. The camp of the Lord;

2. The camp of the Levites; and

3. The camp of the people.

These in the grand camp in the wilderness, corresponded with the holy of holies, the holy place, and the outward court of the Temple at Jerusalem. See Ainsworth.

His own standard - It is manifest there were four great standards or ensigns, which here follow, distinguished by their colours or figures; also there were other particular ensigns belonging to each of their fathers houses or families. Far off - Partly out of reverence to God and his worship, and the portion, allotted to it, and partly for caution, lest their vicinity to it might tempt them to make too near approaches to it. It is supposed they Were at 2000 cubits distance from it, which was the space between the people and the ark; and it is not improbable, because the Levites encamped round about it, between them and the tabernacle. It is observable, those tribes were placed together, that were nearest of kin to each other. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun were the three youngest sons of Leah, and Issachar and Zebulun would not grudge to be under Judah, their elder brother. Reuben and Simeon would not be content with their place. Therefore Reuben, Jacob's eldest son, is chief of the next squadron. Simeon doubtless is willing to be under him. And Gad, the son of Leah's handmaid, is fitly added to him, in Levi's room. Ephraim Manasseh, and Benjamin are all the posterity of Rachel. Dan the eldest son of Bilhah leads the rest; to them are added the two younger sons of the handmaids. So much of the wisdom of God appears even in these smaller circumstances!

Judah - This tribe was in the first post, and in their marches led the van, not only because it was the most numerous, but chiefly because Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, was to descend from it: Yea, from the loins of Nahshon, who is here appointed the chief captain of it.

In the midst - This is not to be understood strictly, but largely; for in their march they were divided, and part of that tribe marched next after Judah, Num 10:17, and the other part exactly in the midst of the camp.

Ephraim - Who is here preferred before his brother, according to the prophecy, Gen 48:19,20.

The Camp of Dan - The strongest camp next after Judah, and therefore he comes in the rear, as Judah marched in the front, that the tabernacle might be best guarded where there was most danger.

2 Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard , with the ensign of their fathers house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.

Or, ensign, by that to which he is allotted by the following order. It is manifest that there were four great Standards or Ensigns, which here follow, distinguished by their colours or figures or otherwise; also that there were other particular Ensigns belonging to each of their Fathers Houses or Families, as is here said.

Partly out of reverence to God and his Worship and the portion allotted to it, and partly for caution, least their vicinity to it might tempt them to make too near approaches to it. It is supposed they were at 2000 cubits distance from it, which was the space between the people and the Ark, Ios. 3. 4. and it is not improbable, because the Levites encamped round about it, between them and the Tabernacle.

Marginal references: Heb. over against.

5 And those that do pitch next unto him, shall be the tribe of Issachar : and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar.

He and Zebulun were Leah's two youngest sons, and therefore would more contentedly submit to Iudah.

9 All that were numbred in the camp of Judah, were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred , throughout their armies: these shall first set forth.

This was the most numerous camp, because they marched first, as being placed on the East and going towards the East, and because they guarded the Sanctuary.

10 On the south-side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben , according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Who being the first-born was the leader of the second camp.

14 Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel .

Called Devel, Numb. 1. 14. the Hebrew letters Daleth and Resh being very like and oft changed, as appears by comparing Gen. 10. 3. with 1 Chron. 1. 6. and Gen. 36. 26, 38. with 1 Chron. 1. 41, 50.

17 Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites, in the midst of the camp : as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.

Which is not to be understood strictly or exactly, but largely; for in their march they were divided, and part of that Tribe marched next after Iudah, Numb. 10. 17. and the other part exactly in the midst of the camp.

18 On the west-side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim , according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.

Who is here preferred before his brother, according to the prophesie, Gen. 48. 19, 20.

31 All they that were numbred in the camp of Dan, were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred : they shall go hindmost with their standards.

The strongest camp next after Iudah, and therefore he comes in the rear, as Iudah marched in the front, that the Tabernacle might be best guarded where there was most danger.

33 But the Levites were not numbred among the children of Israel, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Because their warfare was of another kind.

34 And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards , and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.

(i. e.) Each of them under his principal standard.

Num 2:1-2

Order of the Twelve Tribes in the Camp and on the March. - Num 2:1, Num 2:2. The twelve tribes were to encamp each one by his standard, by the signs of their fathers’ houses, opposite to the tabernacle (at some distance) round about, and, according to the more precise directions given afterwards, in such order that on every side of the tabernacle three tribes were encamped side by side and united under one banner, so that the twelve tribes formed four large camps or divisions of an army. Between these camps and the court surrounding the tabernacle, the three leading mishpachoth of the Levites were to be encamped on three sides, and Moses and Aaron with the sons of Aaron (i.e., the priests) upon the fourth, i.e., the front or eastern side, before the entrance (Num 3:21-38). דּגל, a standard, banner, or flag, denotes primarily the larger field sign, possessed by every division composed of three tribes, which was also the banner of the tribe at the head of each division; and secondarily, in a derivative signification, it denotes the army united under one standard, like σημεία, or vexillum. It is used thus, for example, in Num 2:17, Num 2:31, Num 2:34, and in combination with מחנה in Num 2:3, Num 2:10, Num 2:18, and Num 2:25, where “standard of the camp of Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, and Dan” signifies the hosts of the tribes arranged under these banners. אתת, the signs (ensigns), were the smaller flags or banners which were carried at the head of the different tribes and subdivisions of the tribes (the fathers’ houses). Neither the Mosaic law, nor the Old Testament generally, gives us any intimation as to the form or character of the standard (degel). According to rabbinical tradition, the standard of Judah bore the figure of a lion, that of Reuben the likeness of a man or of a man’s head, that of Ephraim the figure of an ox, and that of Dan the figure of an eagle; so that the four living creatures united in the cherubic forms described by Ezekiel were represented upon these four standards.Jerome Prado, in his commentary upon Ezekiel (ch. 1 p. 44), gives the following minute description according to rabbinical tradition: “The different leaders of the tribes had their own standards, with the crests of their ancestors depicted upon them. On the east, above the tent of Naasson the first-born of Judah, there shone a standard of a green colour, this colour having been adopted by him because it was in a green stone, viz., an emerald, that the name of his forefather Judah was engraved on the breastplate of the high priest (Exo 25:15.), and on this standard there was depicted a lion, the crest and hieroglyphic of his ancestor Judah, whom Jacob had compared to a lion, saying, 'Judah is a lion’s whelp.' Towards the south, above the tent of Elisur the son of Reuben, there floated a red standard, having the colour of the sardus, on which the name of his father, viz., Reuben, was engraved upon the breastplate of the high priest. The symbol depicted upon this standard was a human head, because Reuben was the first-born, and head of the family. On the west, above the tent of Elishamah the son of Ephraim, there was a golden flag, on which the head of a calf was depicted, because it was through the vision of the calves or oxen that his ancestor Joseph had predicted and provided for the famine in Egypt (Gen 41); ); and hence Moses, when blessing the tribe of Joseph, i.e., Ephraim (Deu 33:17), said, 'his glory is that of the first-born of a bull.' The golden splendour of the standard of Ephraim resembled that of the chrysolite, in which the name of Ephraim was engraved upon the breastplate. Towards the north, above the tent of Ahiezer the son of Dan, there floated a motley standard of white and red, like the jaspis (or, as some say, a carbuncle), in which the name of Dan was engraved upon the breastplate. The crest upon this was an eagle, the great doe to serpents, which had been chosen by the leader in the place of a serpent, because his forefather Jacob had compared Dan to a serpent, saying, 'Dan is a serpent in the way, an adder (cerastes, a horned snake) in the path;' but Ahiezer substituted the eagle, the destroyer of serpents as he shrank from carrying an adder upon his flag.”

Num 2:3-31 Order of the tribes in the camp and on the march. - Num 2:3-9. The standard of the tribe of Judah was to encamp in front, namely towards the east, according to its hosts; and by its side the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun, the descendants of Leah, under the command and banner of Judah: an army of 186,400 men, which was to march out first when the camp was broken up (Num 2:9), so that Judah led the way as the champion of his brethren (Gen 49:10).

Num 2:32-34

In Num 2:32 we have the whole number given, 603,550 men, not including the Levites (Num 2:33, see at Num 1:49); and in Num 2:34 the concluding remark as to the subsequent execution of the divine command-an anticipatory notice, as in Exo 12:50; Exo 40:16, etc.

The Stations of the Several Tribes. (b. c. 1490.)

1 And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 2 Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.

Here is the general appointment given both for their orderly encampment where they rested and their orderly march when they moved. Some order, it is possible, they had observed hitherto; they came out of Egypt in rank and file (Exod. xiii. 18), but now they were put into a better model. 1. They all dwelt in tents, and when they marched carried all their tents along with them, for they found no city to dwell in, Ps. cvii. 4. This represents to us our state in this world. It is a movable state (we are here to-day and gone to-morrow); and it is a military state: is not our life a warfare? We do but pitch our tents in this world, and have in it no continuing city. Let us, therefore, while we are pitching in this world, be pressing through it. 2. Those of a tribe were to pitch together, every man by his own standard. Note, It is the will of God that mutual love and affection, converse and communion, should be kept up among relations. Those that are of kin to each other should, as much as they can, be acquainted with each other; and the bonds of nature should be improved for the strengthening of the bonds of Christian communion. 3. Every one must know his place and keep in it; they were not allowed to fix where they pleased, nor to remove when they pleased, but God quarters them, with a charge to abide in their quarters. Note, It is God that appoints us the bounds of our habitation, and to him we must refer ourselves. He shall choose our inheritance for us (Ps. xlvii. 4), and in his choice we must acquiesce, and not love to flit, nor be as the bird that wanders from her nest. 4. Every tribe had its standard, flag, or ensign, and it should seem every family had some particular ensign of their father's house, which was carried as with us the colours of each troop or company in a regiment are. These were of use for the distinction of tribes and families, and the gathering and keeping of them together, in allusion to which the preaching of the gospel is said to lift up an ensign, to which the Gentiles shall seek, and by which they shall pitch, Isa. xi. 10, 12. Note, God is the God of order, and not of confusion. These standards made this mighty army seem more beautiful to its friends and more formidable to its enemies. The church of Christ is said to be as terrible as an army with banners, Cant. vi. 10. It is uncertain how these standards were distinguished: some conjecture that the standard of each tribe was of the same colour with the precious stone in which the name of that tribe was written in the high priest's ephod, and that this was all the difference. Many of the modern Jews think there was some coat of arms painted in each standard, which had reference to the blessing of that tribe by Jacob. Judah bore a lion, Dan a serpent, Naphtali a hind, Benjamin a wolf, &c. Some of them say the four principal standards were, Judah a lion, Reuben a man, Joseph an ox, and Dan an eagle, making the appearances in Ezekiel's vision to allude it. Others say the name of each tribe was written in its standard. Whatever it was, no doubt it gave a certain direction. 5. They were to pitch about the tabernacle, which was to be in the midst of them, as the tent of pavilion of a general in the centre of an army. They must encamp round the tabernacle, (1.) That it might be equally a comfort and joy to them all, as it was a token of God's gracious presence with them. Ps. xlvi. 5, God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved. Their camp had reason to be hearty, when thus they had God in the heart of them. To have bread from heaven every day round about their camp, and fire from heaven, with other tokens of God's favour, in the midst of their camp, was abundantly sufficient to answer that question, Is the Lord among us, or is he not? Happy art thou, O Israel! It is probable that the doors of all their tents were made to look towards the tabernacle from all sides, for every Israelite should have his eyes always towards the Lord; therefore they worshipped at the tent-door. The tabernacle was in the midst of the camp, that it might be near to them; for it is a very desirable thing to have the solemn administrations of holy ordinances near us and within our reach. The kingdom of God is among you. (2.) That they might be a guard and defence upon the tabernacle and the Levites on every side. No invader could come near God's tabernacle without first penetrating the thickest of their squadrons. Note, If God undertake the protection of our comforts, we ought in our places to undertake the protection of his institutions, and stand up in defence of his honour, and interest, and ministers. 6. Yet they were to pitch afar off, in reverence to the sanctuary, that it might not seem crowded and thrust up among them, and that the common business of the camp might be no annoyance to it. They were also taught to keep their distance, lest too much familiarity should breed contempt. It is supposed (from Joshua iii. 4) that the distance between the nearest part of the camp and the tabernacle (or perhaps between them and the camp of the Levites, who pitched near the tabernacle) was 2000 cubits, that is, 1000 yards, little more than half a measured mile with us; but the outer parts of the camp must needs be much further off. Some compute that the extent of their camp could be no less than twelve miles square; for it was like a movable city, with streets and lanes, in which perhaps the manna fell, as well as on the outside of the camp, that they might have it at their doors. In the Christian church we read of a throne (as in the tabernacle there was a mercy-seat) which is called a glorious high throne from the beginning (Jer. xvii. 12), and that throne surrounded by spiritual Israelites, twenty-four elders, double to the number of the tribes, clothed in white raiment (Rev. iv. 4), and the banner over them is Love; but we are not ordered, as they were, to pitch afar off; no, we are invited to draw near, and come boldly. The saints of the Most High are said to be round about him, Ps. lxxvi. 11. God by his grace keep us close to him!

3 And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah. 4 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred. 5 And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar. 6 And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred. 7 Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun. 8 And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred. 9 All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth. 10 On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur. 11 And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred. 12 And those which pitch by him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 13 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred. 14 Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel. 15 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty. 16 All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank. 17 Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards. 18 On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud. 19 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty thousand and five hundred. 20 And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 21 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred. 22 Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni. 23 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred. 24 All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank. 25 The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 26 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred. 27 And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran. 28 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and one thousand and five hundred. 29 Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan. 30 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred. 31 All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards. 32 These are those which were numbered of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers: all those that were numbered of the camps throughout their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty. 33 But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as the Lord commanded Moses. 34 And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.

We have here the particular distribution of the twelve tribes into four squadrons, three tribes in a squadron, one of which was to lead the other two. Observe, 1. God himself appointed them their place, to prevent strife and envy among them. Had they been left to determine precedency among themselves, they would have been in danger of quarrelling with one another (as the disciples who strove which should be greatest); each would have had a pretence to be first, or at least not to be last. Had it been left to Moses to determine, they would have quarrelled with him, and charged him with partiality; therefore God does it, who is himself the fountain and judge of honour, and in his appointment all must acquiesce. If God in his providence advance others above us, and abase us, we ought to be as well satisfied in his doing it in that way as if he did it, as this was done here, by a voice out of the tabernacle; and this consideration, that it appears to be the will of God it should be so, should effectually silence all envies and discontents. And as far as our place comes to be our choice our Saviour has given us a rule in Luke xiv. 8, Sit not down in the highest room; and another in Matt. xx. 27, He that will be chief, let him be your servant. Those that are most humble and most serviceable are really most honourable. 2. Every tribe had a captain, a prince, or commander-in-chief, whom God himself nominated, the same that had been appointed to number them, ch. i. 5. Our being all the children of one Adam is so far from justifying the levellers, and taking away the distinction of place and honour, that even among the children of the same Abraham, the same Jacob, the same Judah, God himself appointed that one should be captain of all the rest. There are powers ordained of God, and those to whom honour and fear are due and must be paid. Some observe the significancy of the names of these princes, at least, in general, how much God was in the thoughts of those that gave them their names, for most of them have El, God, at one end or other of their names. Nethaneel, the gift of God; Eliab, my God a Father; Elizur, my God a rock; Shelumiel, God my peace; Eliasaph, God has added; Elishama, my God has heard: Gamaliel, God my reward; Pagiel, God has met me. By this it appears that the Israelites in Egypt did not quite forget the name of their God, but, when they wanted other memorials, preserved the remembrance of it in the names of their children, and therewith comforted themselves in their affliction. 3. Those tribes were placed together under the same standard that were nearest of kin to each other; Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, were the three younger sons of Leah, and they were put together; and Issachar and Zebulun would not grudge to be under Judah, since they were his younger brethren. Reuben and Simeon would not have been content in their place. Therefore Reuben, Jacob's eldest son, is made chief of the next squadron; Simeon, no doubt, is willing to be under him, and Gad, the son of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, is fitly added to them in Levi's room: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, are all the posterity of Rachel. Dan, the eldest son of Bilhah, is made a leading tribe, though the son of a concubine, that more abundant honour might be bestowed on that which lacked; and it was said, Dan should judge his people, and to him were added two younger sons of the handmaids. Thus unexceptionable was the order in which they were placed. 4. The tribe of Judah was in the first post of honour, encamped towards the rising sun, and in their marches led the van, not only because it was the most numerous tribe, but chiefly because from that tribe Christ was to come, who is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and was to descend from the loins of him who was now nominated chief captain of that tribe. Nahshon is reckoned among the ancestors of Christ, Matt. i. 4. So that, when he went before them, Christ himself went before them in effect, as their leader. Judah was the first of the twelve sons of Jacob that was blessed. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, were censured by their dying father; he therefore being first in blessing, though not in birth, is put first, to teach children how to value the smiles of their godly parents and dread their frowns. 5. The tribes of Levi pitched closely about the tabernacle, within the rest of their tribes, v. 17. They must defend the sanctuary, and then the rest of the tribes must defend them. Thus, in the vision which John saw of the glory of heaven, between the elders and the throne were four living creatures full of eyes, Rev. iv. 6, 8. Civil powers should protect the religious interests of a nation, and be a defence upon that glory. 6. The camp of Dan (and so that tribe is called long after their settlement in Canaan (Judg. xiii. 25), because celebrated for their military prowess), though posted in the left wing when they encamped, was ordered in their march to bring up the rear, v. 31. They were the most numerous, next to Judah, and therefore were ordered into a post which, next to the front, required the most strength, for as the strength is so shall the day be. Lastly, The children of Israel observed the orders given them, and did as the Lord commanded Moses, v. 34. They put themselves in the posts assigned them, without murmuring or disputing, and, as it was their safety, so it was their beauty; Balaam was charmed with the sight of it: How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! ch. xxiv. 5. Thus the gospel church, called the camp of saints, ought to be compact according to the scripture model, every one knowing and keeping his place, and then all that wish well to the church rejoice, beholding their order, Col. ii. 5.

CHAP. II.

ANd Iehovah spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying; The sonnes of Israel shall encamp, every man by his standard, with the ensignes, according to the house of their fathers: over against, round about the Tent of the congregation, shal the[illegible: 1 letter] encampe. And they that encampe for most Eastward, shalbe the standard of the campe of Iudah, according to their armies; and the captaine of the sonnes of Iudah, shalbe Naasson the sonne of Aminadab. And his armie, and those that were mustered of them, were seventy and foure thousand, and six hundred. And they that encampe next unto him, shall be the tribe of Issachar: and the captaine of the sonnes of Issachar, shalbe Nethaneel, the sonne of Zuar. And his armie, and those that were mustered thereof, were foure and fifty thousand, and foure hundred. The tribe of Zabulon, and the Prince of the sonnes of Zabulon, shalbe Eliab the sonne of Helon. And his armie, and those that were mustered thereof, were seven and fifty thousand, and foure hundred. All that were mustered, of the campe of Iudah, were an hundred thousand, and eightie thousand, and six thousand, and foure hundred, according to their armies: they shall set forward, first.

The standard of the campe of Reuben shalbe Southward, according to their armies: and the captaine of the sonnes of Reuben, shalbe Elizur the sonne of Shedeur. And his armie, and those that were mustered thereof, were six and fortie thousand, and five hundred. And they that encampe next unto him, shalbe the tribe of Simeon: and the captaine of the sonnes of Simeon, shalbe Shelumiel, the sonne of Zurishaddai. And his armie, and those that were mustered thereof, were nine and fifty thousand, and three hundred. And the tribe of Gad, and the captaine of the sonnes of Gad, Eliasaph, the sonne of Reguel. And his armie, and those that were mustered of them, were five and fortie thousand, and six hundred, and fifty. All that were mustered, of the campe of Reuben, were an hundred thousand, and one and fifty thousand, and foure hundred and fifty, according to their armies: and they shall set forward, second.

And the Tent of the congregation shall set forward, the campe of the Levites, in the midst of the campes: as they encampe, so shall they set forward: every man in his place, according to their standards.

The standard of the campe of Ephraim, according to their armies, shalbe Sea-ward: and the captaine of the sonnes of Ephraim, shalbe Elishama the sonne of Ammihud. And his armie, and those that were mustered of them, forty thousand, and five hundred. And next unto him, shalbe the tribe of Manasses: and the captaine of the sonnes of Manasses, shalbe Gamaliel, the sonne of Pedahzur. And his armie, and those that were mustered of them, two and thirtie thousand, and two hundred. And the tribe of Benjamin, and the captaine of the sonnes of Benjamin, shalbe Abidan, the sonne of Gideoni. And his armie, and those that were mustered of them, five and thirty thousand, and foure hundred. All that were mustered, of the campe of Ephraim, were an hundred thousand, and eight thousand, and an hundred, according to their armies: and they shall set forward, third.

The standard of the campe of Dan, shalbe Northward, according to their armies: and the captaine of the sonnes of Dan, shalbe Ahiezer, the son of Ammishaddai. And his armie, and those that were mustered of them, sixty and two thousand, and seven hundred. And they that encampe next unto him, shalbe the tribe of Aser: and the captaine of the sonnes of Aser, shalbe P[illegible: 1 letter]giel, the sonne of Ocran. And his armie, and those that were mustered of them, were one and fortie thousand, and five hundred. And the tribe of Naphtali, and the captaine of the sonnes of Naphtali, Ahira the sonne of Enan. And his armie, and those that were mustered of them, were three and fiftie thousand, and foure hundred. All that were mustered, of the campe of Dan, were an hundred thousand, and seven and fifty thousand, and six hundred: they shall set forth hindmost, according to their standards.

These are those that were mustered of the sonnes of Israel, according to the house of their fathers: all that were mustered of the camps, according to their armies, were six hundred thousand, and three thousand, and five hundred, and fifty. But the Levites were not mustered, among the sonnes of Israel, as Iehovah commanded Moses. And the sonnes of Israel did according to all that Iehovah commanded Moses; so they encamped according to their standards, and so they set forward, every man according to his families, according to the house of his fathers.

Annotations. SHall encampe] or, as the Greeke translateth, let them encampe, that is, pitch their tents, as an army about the Sanctuary of the Lord of hosts. Here God (having in the former chapter given charge to muster his warriers,) commandeth now to set them in order, and under government: as in the church, all things ought to be done decently and in order, 1 Cor. 14. 40. his standard] or, his banner; which the Greeke translateth his order; and so the Chaldee calleth it Tekes (a word borrowed of the Greeke Taxis.) Order. And this phrase the Apostle useth (from this place) in 1 Cor. 15. 23. every man in his owne order. Here it is properly a standard, banner or flag, such as is used in the warres: which fitly denoteth the state of the Church in her spirituall warfare, said therefore to be terrible as an armie with banners, Song. 6. 4. 10. and it signifieth her victory; whereupon David saith, we will shout, in thy salvation; and in the name of our God, we will set up the banner, Psal. 20. 6. See also Ier. 50. 2. and 51. 27. where the setting up of a standard, is a signe of preparation unto warre against Babylon, as here against the Canaanites. with the ensignes] or, with the signes; which were in the standards, for discerning of one from an other. What these were the Scripture sheweth not: it is not unlikely, that they were such colours as the precious stones had on Aarons brestplate, Exod. 28. on which the tribes names were engraved. In the Thargum called Ionathans, upon this place, it is said; The standard of the campe of Iudah, was of linnen of three colours, according to the three precious stones in the Brestplate (of the Chalcedonie, Saphir, and Sardonyx,) and in it were engraved and expressed the names of the three tribes, Iudah, Issachar and Zabulon; and in the midst thereof was written; (from Num. 10. 35.) Rise up Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee, flee before thee; in it also was pourtrayed the forme of a Lion. The standard of the campe of Reuben, was of linnen of three colours, answerable to the three precious stones in the Brestplate, (of the Sardine, Topaz and Amethyst,) and therein were engraved and expressed the names of the three tribes, Reuben, Simeon, God: and in the midst thereof was written, Heare ò Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: (Deut. 6. 4.) Therein also was pourtrayed, the forme of an Hart, &c. So he proceedeth for the rest. Howbeit, that proportion will not hold in all, seeing Levi (who is not here among the other tribes) was there one of the twelve; and Ioseph, there graved on the Beryl, hath here two tribes, Ephraim and Manasses; unto whom two colours cannot be allowed from the brestplate, as the Thargum here would. Others therefore explaine it otherwise, having herein no certainty. Chazkuni (on Num. 3.) bringeth this exposition, The pourtraiture of a man, was on Roubens standard, died after the colour of the Sardine set in the brest-plate for his name, in signe of the Mandrakes which he found (Gen. 30. 14.) which are after the fashion of a man. The pourtraiture of a Lion, was on Iudahs standard, who is called a Lion, (Gen. 49. 9.) and it was dyed into the colour of a Chalcedoni. The figure of a Bullocke (or Oxe) was on Ephraims standard, whose father is likened to a bullocke, (Deut. 33. 17.) It was dyed in colour like a Beryl. The figure of an Eagle was on Dans standard, dyed like an Hyacinth: &c. To this Aben Esra (on Num. 2.) agreeth, saying; There were signes in every stand[illegible: 1 span] Ancestors have said, that in Re[illegible: 1 span] was the figure of a Man, &c. in Iu[illegible: 1 span] figure of a Lion, &c. in Ephraims, th[illegible: 1 span] locke, &c. and in the standard of Dan, the [illegible: 1 span] Eagle: so they were like the Ch[illegible: 1 span] Prophet Ezekiel saw, (Ezek. 1. 10.) Wha[illegible: 3 letters] ever the signes were, (which the holy Ghost [illegible: 1 word] concealeth,) this ordering of the people under their standards with ensignes, taught all, to abide in that state wherein God placed them; and not to [illegible: 1 word] from tribe to tribe, or from ensigne to ensigne; but to continue every one under his governour: for to stand for an ensigne of the people (as is prophesied of Iesus the root of lesse, Esai. 11. 10.) is [illegible: 1 span] pounded by the Apostle, to rule over the G[illegible: 1 span] Rom. 15. 12. house] in Greeke, houses. ouer against] or, from before it: whereby is meant, aloo[illegible: 1 letter]e, or a farre off, (as this word is explained in Psal. 38. 12. they stand from b[illegible: 1 span] stroke: and my neighbours stand a farre off;) ye[illegible: 1 span] as they should view it, and have their faces tow[illegible: 1 span] it; as the like phrase sheweth, in 2 King. 2. 7. De[illegible: 2 letters]. 32. 52. Gen. 21. 16. So that the doores of all [illegible: 1 word] tents were to be inward towards the T[illegible: 1 span] cle, to shew due respect thereto; and y[illegible: 1 span], in reverence of the holy place, (as in Exod. 3. 5. And the distance may be guessed to be two [illegible: 1 span] sand cubites, that is, an English mile, a [illegible: 1 word] dayes iourney, (whereof see the notes on [illegible: 1 word]. 16. 29.) for such a space was betweene the A[illegible: 1 span] and the people, in Ios. 3. 4. So R. Solomon [illegible: 1 word] expoundeth it, Over against, that is, a [illegible: 1 span] a mile distance, as it is said in Iosua, yet ther[illegible: 1 span] a space betweene you and it, about two th[illegible: 1 span] bits by measure. round about▪ so [illegible: 1 span] Lord dwelt in the midst of his people, and [illegible: 1 word] tents of the Saints were as a wall round about G[illegible: 1 span] sanctuarie to guard it. For as in Ier. 50. 2[illegible: 1 letter] [illegible: 1 word] camping against Babylon round about, w[illegible: 2 letters] [illegible: 1 word] none thereof might escape: so here they [illegible: 1 span] ped about Gods sanctuarie, for the safety the[illegible: 1 span] According to which type, the Christian chu[illegible: 1 span] described in Reu. 4. 2. 4. &c. where th[illegible: 1 span] Throne in the middest answerable to the Tab[illegible: 1 span] cle and Temple called Gods throne, in Ez[illegible: 2 letters] [illegible: 1 span]. and round about the throne, are foure [illegible: 1 span] thrones; which is double the numb[illegible: 1 span] twelve tribes here camping, because th[illegible: 1 span] increased under the gospel, and the pl[illegible: 1 span] tents enlarged, Esai. 54 2. And be[illegible: 1 span] throne, and the circuit round about the [illegible: 1 word] are foure liuing creatures full of eyes, &c. [illegible: 1 word]. 4. [illegible: 1 word] the watchmen or ministers of the church, [illegible: 1 span] betweene the Lords Tent and the tents [illegible: 1 span] the Levites camped in foure quarters, wher[illegible: 1 span] Num. chap. 3. and c. 1. v. 50. Her[illegible: 1 letter]upon the c[illegible: 1 span] is described to be those that are [illegible: 1 span] Lord, Psal. 76. 12. V. 3. foremost] or, on the [illegible: 2 letters]re part, [illegible: 1 span] loweth, eastward, or towards the Sun[illegible: 1 span] the East is said to be before, and the West [illegible: 1 span] Esai. 12. the South is called the [illegible: 1 span] world, Psal. 89. 13. and the North the [illegible: 1 span] which Iob describeth by these names, in Iob 23. 8, 9. So R. Sol. Iarchi noteth on this place, foremost or before, is the east quarter, and the west is called behinde. the captaine] or, the Prince, ruler; as in Num. 1. 16. so after in this chapter. Iudah] the father of our Lord Christ after the flesh, Luk. 3. he as he was most in number of all the tribes, Num. 1. 27. so as a Lion whom none durst rouse up, Gen. 49. 8, 9. he is the chiefe standard-bearer and chiefe captaine of all the captaines of Israel; camping in the first place; as did Moses and Aaron the chiefest of the Levites, in the same quarter betweene Iudah and the sanctuarie, Numb. 3. 38. Also when they marched, Iudah went foremost, Num. 10. 14. And after Iosuahs death, Iudah went first up to fight against the Canaanites, Iudg. 1. 1, 2. He figured Christ the Lion of the tribe of Iudah, who also is Michael, that with his Angels fighteth against the Dragon, and goeth before his heavenly armies; Rev. 5. 5. and 12. 7. and 19. 11. 14. V. 5. Issachar] and with him Zabulon, vers. 7. both younger brothers to Iudah, that they might the more willingly be under his regiment: all of them sonnes of Leah the free woman, placed in this first quarter. V. 7. The tribe of Zabulon] understand from v. 5. shall encampe next: so the Greeke explaineth it. And they that encampe next, &c. So in vers. 14. 22. 29. V. 9. an hundred thousand &c.] the greatest number of warriers, by many, were in this first quarter, where Iudah was standard-bearer; almost thirty thousand moc than in any other quarter. The next in number to him, was the last squadron, where Dan bare the standard: so they that went foremost, and came hindmost, had the greatest armies, for the more safetie of the Sanctuarie (which matched in the middest) and of all Israel. The number of every one, may be viewed thus: 1. In the campe of Iudah, 186400. East. 2. In the campe of Reuben, 151450. South. 3. In the campe of Ephraim, 108100. West. 4. In the campe of Dan, 157600. North. set forward first] or, march and journey first, when the host removeth, Num. 10. 14. as they encamped in the first place, Eastward, before the doore of Gods Tabernacle. V. 10. Southward] the order proceedeth from East to South, and so to the West & North; according to the course of the Sun, and climates of the world. And this second place is given to Reuben, because he was the first borne, though he lost his first birth-right, Gen. 49. which Iudas and Ioseph had shared betweene them; and he is put downe to the second place. V. 12. Simeon] Next brother to Reuben, and of the same mother: with whom is joyned God the first-borne of that mothers maid Zilpha, (vers 14.) both for to keepe them the more easily in subjection, and to nourish brotherly love. V. 14. Reguel] in Greeke Rago[illegible: 1 span]: hee was before called Deg[illegible: 1 span], Num. 1 14. because the[illegible: 2 letters] Hebrew letters are like one another, and often changed; as is noted on Gen. 4. 18. V. 16. second] in the second place: see Num. 10. 18. V. 17. Tent of the congregation] in Greeke, the Tent of the Testimony; the sanctuarie of God: which was to set forward in the midst of the campes, both to shew Gods presence among them; and the honour againe that they should doe unto him As it is written of the church, God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved, Psal. 64. 5. See also Song. 3. 7, 8. The manner and order of carying the Tabernacle, is shewed in Num. 10. 17 &c. the campe] the order of the Levites camping, is shewed in Num. 3. their marching in Num. 10. V. 18. Ephraim] he the younger brother, is standard-bearer before his elder, Manasses: as Iakob prophesied his superioritie, Gen. 48. 14. 20. sea-ward] that is, as the Chald[illegible: 2 letters] expounds it, Westward: see the notes on Gen. 12. 8. V. 20. Manasses] and next him Berjamin, v. 22. so all Rachels sonnes encamped together, on the west quarter of the Sanctuarie. V. 24. an hundred thousand, &c.] this was the smallest number of all the armie[illegible: 1 letter]; almost 80 thousand fewer than in the standard o[illegible: 1 letter] Iudah, v. 9. V. 25. Dan] He was the first borne of the handmaids children, and Iakobs fist sonne; Gen. 30. 6. and by prophesie he was to judge his people, as the other tribes, Genes. 49. 16. so God here appointeth him the standard; and hee hath the greatest number of warriers, saving Iudas. V. 27. Aser] the youngest sonne of the other handmaid Zilpha; yet set next unto Dan, as is noted on Num. 1. 15. with whom Naphtali Dans brother is joyned, v. 29. so the three handmaids children, were in the Northerne and hindmost quarter: that in Gods ordering of the Tribes, his wisdome might appeare. We may behold the order of the Lords armies, as they encamped, thus:

1. IVDAH, Isachar, and Zabulon: in whose camps were 186400 warriours. The Sanctuary and the Courtyard about it, were in a long square, twice so long as they were broad; as their description in Exod. 26. and 27. sheweth. But in what forme the campe of Israel was, the Scripture expresseth not, save that it was round about the Tabernacle, Num. 2. 2. It is likely therefore to be in a square; and so many thousand tents as Israel had, could not be pitched in a little roomth. Iosephus (in Antiq. Iud. l. 3. c. 11.) saith, that betweene every tribe, in the foure quarters, there was a distant space, and like a mart or fayre, to buy and sell in their boothes, with artificers in their shops, as if it had beene a citie. Ionathan in his Thargum on Num. 2. 3. saith, The campe of Israel was twelve miles long, and twelve miles broad. Vnto this forme of the Church in the wildernesse the Scriptures after have reference, both in the name, calling the beloved Citie, the Camp of the Saints, Rev. 20. 9. (as in 2 Chron. 31. 2. the Temple is called the Campes of the LORD:) also for the manner of situation, the heavenly Ierusalem is fouresquare, the length as large as the bredth, Revel. 21. 16. which forme was likewise shewed in vision to Ezekiel, Ezek. 48. 20. and is the most firme and setled, against all troubles. And as here, Gods sanctuarie is walled about with the twelve tribes of Israel: so the new Ierusalem hath a wall with twelve gates, and names written thereon, of the twelve tribes of the sonnes of Israel: and the wall hath twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lambe, Rev. 21. 12. 14. As here there were three tribes on every quarter; so Ierusalem hath three gates on the East, three on the North, three on the South, and three on the West, Rev. 21. 13. Ezek. 48. 31.—34. As these twelve tribes, (the walls of Gods Tabernacle,) had their fathers names graven on twelve sundrie precious stones, Exod. 28. so the foundations of the wall of the heavenly citie, is of the like stones, Rev. 21. 19, 20. As here betweene the Sanctuary and the Tribes of Israel, were foure companies of Levites, to watch and ward the holy place: so betweene Gods Throne, and the foure and twentie Elders compassing it, there are foure Liuing creatures full of eyes, glorifying God night and day; after whom, the twentie foure Elders fall downe and worship God, Revel. a. 6.—10. Finally, as into this campe of the Lord in the wildernesse, no uncleane persons might enter, but were shut out, Num. 5. 2, 3, 4. so into the new Ierusalem, there may in no wise enter any thing that defileth &c. Rev. 21. 27. And the earthly Ierusalem (called the holy Citie, Mat. 4. 5. Luke 4. 9.) was in the ages following (when Israel dwelt in Canaan) answerable in holinesse to this campe of Israel, as the Hebrewes record, saying; As was the Campe in the wildernesse, such was the Campe in Ierusalem. From Ierusalem (gates) to the mountaine of the House (of the Lord:) the campe of Israel. From the Mountaine of the House, to the gate of Nicanor (which was the East gate of the Temple,) the campe of Levi. From thence and forward, the campe of the Diuine Majestie; answerable to the tapestrie-hangings (of the Lords court) that were in the wildernesse. Thalmud Bab. in Zebachim. ch. 14. in Gemara. See also the annotations on Exod. 40. 33. In the second Temple, the East gate of the court was called the gate of Nicanor; as the comment on the foresaid place of the Thalmud sheweth. And Maimony in Misn. tom. 3. in Beth habchirah, ch. 5. sect. 5. saith of it thus; Every of the gates was ten cubits broad, and twentie cubits high, and had doores covered with gold, except the East gate, which was covered with brasse, like gold, and that gate was called the high gate [2 Chron. 27. 3.] and that was the gate of Nicanor. V. 29. And the tribe] in Greeke, And they that campe next, shall be the tribe of Naphtali. See vers. 7. Thus God adjoyned to every of the foure standards, two tribes; and those the next of bloud inferiour unto them, for to maintaine order, and nourish love, and to afford mutuall helpe. Our Saviour also ordained among his Apostles a kinde of combination and fraternitie, as is to be seene by the rehearsall of their names, in Mat. 10. 2, 3, 4. 1. Simon Peter, and Andrew his brother. 2. Iames (or Iacob) sonne of Zebedee, and Iohn his brother. 3. Philip, and Bartholmew. 4. Thomas, and Matthew the Publican. 5. Iames sonne of Alpheus, and Lebbeus (or Iudas his brother, Luk. 6. 16. Iude v. 1.) 6. Simon Kananites (or the zealous,) and Iudas Iscariot. And these did Christ send forth by two and two, Marke 6. 7. to warre the warfare of his Gospell; (as 1 Tim. 1. 18) And when Iscariot lost his office, Matthias was chosen in his place, Act. 1. 26. Afterward there were added Paul and Barnabas, Act. 13. 2. Vers. 32. These are those mustered] in Greeke, This is the muster (or visitation.) the house] that is, as the Greeke saith, the houses: so in vers. 34. [illegible: 1 word] 600. thousand &c.] the summe that was mentioned before, in Num. 1. 46. See the notes there. V. 34. so they camped] or, pitched their tents. The holy Ghost commendeth unto us the obedience of Israel, as before in the making of the Sanctuarie, Exod. 39. 42, 43. so here in their orderly camping about, and marching before and after it. That as Order in all things is beautifull, and delectable; so especially in the Church, and things pertaining to the service of God: wherefore the Apostle joyed to behold the order of the Church in Colosse, and the stedfastnesse of their faith in Christ, wherein he exhorted them still to walke in him [illegible: 1 word] Coloss. 2. 5, 6. And Balaam when hee beheld this Campe of Israel, from the top of the Rockes, did not onely admire the multitude of them, and the presence of the Lord among them; but said, How goodly are thy Tents, ô Iakob; thy Tabernacles, ô Israel! As the vallies are they spred forth, as gardens by the rivers side &c. Num. 23. 9. 10. 21. and 24. 5, 6. And Solomon describeth the church to be beautifull, as Tirzah, (a pleasant place where the King of Israel dwelt, 1 King. 14. 17.) comely as Ierusalem, (which was also beautifull for situation, Psal. 48. 2. and compact together, Psal. 122. 3.) terrible as an armie with banners, Song. 6. 4.