Numbers 2:3 - Meaning and Application

Here we have the twelve tribes arranged into four groups of three, with one tribe leading each group. God himself assigned their positions, so there would be no rivalry or envy among them. If they had been left to decide rank for themselves, they would likely have argued, as the disciples did when they disputed which of them was greatest. Each tribe could have claimed a right to be first, or at least not last. If Moses had made the choice, they might have accused him of favoritism, so God decided the matter himself. He is the true source and judge of honor, and everyone must accept his choice.

If God raises some people above us and puts others below us, we should be as content with that as if he had spoken from the tabernacle and told us directly. The thought that this is God’s will should quiet envy and complaint. And when the place we hold is a matter of choice, our Savior gives this rule: “Do not take the highest seat” (Luke 14:8), and this other: “Whoever wants to be first must be your servant” (Matthew 20:27). The most humble and most helpful people are truly the most honored.

Each tribe also had its own captain, prince, or chief commander, whom God himself named, the same man who had been appointed to count the people (Numbers 1:5). We are all children of one Adam, but that does not erase differences in rank and honor. Even among the children of Abraham, Jacob, and Judah, God still appointed one man to lead the rest. God appoints authorities, and honor and respect are due to them.

Some have noticed the meaning of the princes’ names, or at least the way their names often point to God. Nethaneel means “gift of God,” Eliab means “my God is a Father,” Elizur means “my God is a rock,” Shelumiel means “God is my peace,” Eliasaph means “God has added,” Elishama means “my God has heard,” Gamaliel means “God is my reward,” and Pagiel means “God has met me.” This shows that the Israelites in Egypt had not entirely forgotten God’s name. When they lacked other memorials, they kept his name alive in their children’s names, and that comforted them in their suffering.

The tribes were also grouped with those who were nearest in family relation. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun were the three younger sons of Leah, so they were placed together. Issachar and Zebulun would not object to being under Judah, since they were younger brothers. Reuben and Simeon would also have had reason to accept their place. Reuben, Jacob’s oldest son, was made head of the next group, and Simeon would naturally be under him. Gad, the son of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant, was fittingly joined with them in Levi’s place. Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin were all descended from Rachel. Dan, the oldest son of Bilhah, was made a leading tribe even though Bilhah was a concubine, so that honor might be given to what otherwise lacked it. Dan was also the tribe spoken of as one that would judge his people, and two younger sons of the maidservants were joined with him. In this way, the arrangement had no obvious fault.

Judah held the highest place of honor, camped toward the east and leading the way in marches. This was not only because Judah was the largest tribe, but chiefly because Christ was to come from it. Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and he was to be born from the line of the man who was then appointed chief leader of that tribe. Nahshon is listed among Christ’s ancestors (Matthew 1:4). So when he went before the people, Christ in effect went before them as their true leader. Judah was also the first of Jacob’s sons to receive a blessing. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi had been corrected by their dying father, so Judah, though not first in birth, was made first in blessing. This teaches children to value the favor of godly parents and to fear their displeasure.

The tribe of Levi camped close around the tabernacle, inside the rest of the tribes (Numbers 2:17). They were to guard the sanctuary, and the other tribes were to guard them. In John’s vision of heaven, between the elders and the throne were four living creatures full of eyes (Revelation 4:6, Revelation 4:8). In the same way, civil rulers should protect the religious life of a nation and serve as a shield for what is holy.

The camp of Dan, which later became well known in Canaan for military strength (Judges 13:25), was placed on the left side in the camp but brought up the rear in the march (Numbers 2:31). Dan was the most numerous tribe after Judah, so it was fitting for them to take a position that, after the front, needed the greatest strength. As the strength is, so the day will be.

Finally, the children of Israel obeyed these instructions and did what the Lord commanded through Moses (Numbers 2:34). They took the places assigned to them without complaining or arguing. This order was their safety, and it was also their beauty. Balaam was struck by the sight of it and said, “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob!” (Numbers 24:5). In the same way, the gospel church, called the camp of the saints, should be well ordered according to Scripture, with each person knowing and keeping their place. Then all who care for the church will rejoice when they see its good order (Colossians 2:5).