Read the Modern Pastor’s Version
Select a book and chapter to read the MPV in modern, pastor-shaped English. This view shows the reading edition of the text in paragraphs.
Currently viewing: Numbers 2 · MPV reading edition
The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, "Each man from the families of Israel must pitch camp under their own standard, with the emblem of their ancestral household displayed prominently. Make sure they maintain a safe distance from the tabernacle."
Those on the east side, facing the sunrise, will be led by Judah's standard, in accordance with their divisions. Nahshon son of Amminadab is to lead Judah, and his company numbers 64,600.
Next to Judah will camp the tribe of Issachar, under Nethaneel son of Zuar as captain. His division totals 54,400. The tribe of Zebulun will be led by Eliab son of Helon, with a total count of 57,400.
All those counted in Judah's camp number 186,400. They are to set out first.
On the south side, the standard of Reuben's camp will lead their armies: Elizur son of Shedeur will be captain over them. His division numbers 46,500. Next to him will be Simeon, led by Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai; his host totals 59,300.
Gad's tribe will follow Reuben, with Eliasaph son of Reuel as their leader. His division numbers 45,650. All who were counted in the camp of Reuben number 150,050 and will march second.
The tabernacle of the Lord's presence must move forward with the Levites' camp at its center, following their established order according to the tribal standards.
On the west side, the standard of Ephraim's camp will lead: Elishama son of Ammihud is to be its leader. His division numbers 40,500. Next to Ephraim will camp Manasseh, under Gamaliel son of Pedahzur as captain; his division totals 32,200.
Benjamin will follow Manasseh, led by Abidan son of Gideoni; their total count is 35,400. All counted in the camp of Ephraim number 108,100 and will march third.
The standard of Dan's camp will be on the north side: Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai is to lead them. His host numbers 62,700. Next to Dan will be Asher, under Pagiel son of Ocran; his division totals 41,500.
Naphtali will follow Asher, with Ahira son of Enan as their leader. His company counts 53,400. All who were counted in the camp of Dan number 157,600 and will bring up the rear with their standards.
The total count from each tribe by ancestral households is 603,550. The Levites were not included in this numbering, just as the Lord had instructed Moses. The Israelites pitched their tents according to the standards and set forward in family groups, following their ancestral households.