3 "Now those who camp on the east side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah , by their armies , and the leader of the sons of Judah : Nahshon the son of Amminadab , 4 and his army , even their numbered men, 74,600 e e e . 5 "Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar , and the leader of the sons of Issachar : Nethanel the son of Zuar , 6 and his army , even their numbered men, 54,400 e e e e . 7 "Then comes the tribe of Zebulun , and the leader of the sons of Zebulun : Eliab the son of Helon , 8 and his army , even his numbered men, 57,400 e e e e . 9 "The total of the numbered men of the camp of Judah : 186,400 e e e e e e , by their armies . They shall set out 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.