3 And those encamping eastward towards the sun-rising, 'are of' the standard of the camp of Judah, by their hosts; and the prince of the sons of Judah 'is' Nahshon, son of Amminadab; 4 and his host, and their numbered ones, 'are' four and seventy thousand and six hundred. 5 And those encamping by him 'are of' the tribe of Issachar; and the prince of the sons of Issachar 'is' Nethaneel son of Zuar; 6 and his host, and its numbered ones, 'are' four and fifty thousand and four hundred. 7 The tribe of Zebulun; and the prince of the sons of Zebulun 'is' Eliab son of Helon; 8 and his host, and its numbered ones, 'are' seven and fifty thousand and four hundred; 9 all those numbered of the camp of Judah 'are' a hundred thousand, and eighty thousand, and six thousand, and four hundred, by their hosts; they journey 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.