3 Those whose tents are on the east side, looking to the dawn, will be round the flag of the children of Judah, with Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, as their chief. 4 The number of his army was seventy-four thousand, six hundred. 5 And nearest to him will be the tribe of Issachar, with Nethanel, the son of Zuar, as their chief. 6 The number of his army was fifty-four thousand, four hundred. 7 After him, the tribe of Zebulun, with Eliab, the son of Helon, as their chief. 8 The number of his army was fifty-seven thousand, four hundred. 9 The number of all the armies of Judah was a hundred and eighty-six thousand, four hundred. They go forward first.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 2:3-9
Chapter Contents
The order of the tribes in their tents.
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, Colossians 2:5.