MPV Commentary

The Order of the Tribes in Their Tents.

Every man shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house. The direction implies that they possessed three varieties of standards: (1) the great tribal standards, which served as rallying points for the twelve large clans; (2) those of the subdivided portions; and (3) those of families or houses. These latter must have been necessary to ensure visibility at the extremities of such a large body.

The forms, material, colors, and devices of these standards are unknown, but it is likely they resembled Egyptian ones without idolatrous symbols. Jewish writers suggest that the tribal standards were symbols borrowed from Jacob's prophetic blessing, with each tribe represented by an animal (Genesis 49:3-24). The ensigns or banners may have been distinguished by their colors, matching those of the precious stones representing each tribe in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17-21).

The tribes shall pitch far off about the tabernacle of the congregation, at a reverential distance. Each tribe has a specific part assigned both in the order of march and the disposition of the encampment.

On the east side toward the rising of the sun, those under Judah's standard shall pitch throughout their armies. Judah, leading a camp composed of three tribes, was said to have combined the united colors in the high priest's breastplate but called by its own name. They were appointed to occupy the east side and take the lead in the march.

Nahshon, or Naasson (Matthew 1:4; Luke 3:32-33), shall be captain of Judah's tribe. The twelve men who superintended the census were also appointed as captains of their respective tribes, a dignity they owed to their hereditary office as head or "prince."

Those that pitch next unto Nahshon are on one side, while those of Zebulun pitch on the other.

On the south side, the standard of Reuben's camp shall be pitched. The description suggests an idea of a square or quadrangle, with each soldier occupying about one square cubit in the ranks. However, this calculation must include not only fighting men but also families, tents, and baggage. The tabernacle, surrounded by the Levites' camp (Numbers 3:38), forms the center.

In marching, this order is adhered to, with some necessary variations. Judah leads the way, followed probably by Issachar and Zebulun (Numbers 10:14-16). Reuben, Simeon, and Gad form the second division (Numbers 10:18-20), while the central company consists of the Levites bearing the tabernacle (Numbers 10:21). The third squadron is composed of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin (Numbers 10:22-24), with Dan, Asher, and Naphtali bringing up the rear (Numbers 10:25-27).