The way in which the tribes of Israel were organized around the tent Tabernacle––the center of the camp—was very strategic. The reason the book is called Numbers is because it is based on two military censuses that happen in chapters 1 and 26. Chapter 1 is the first census and consecration of Israel. Chapter 26 is the second census and the preparation of the new generation to enter into the Promised Land. Numbers is also called the book of wanderings—the first census taking place at Mount Sinai and the second at Mount Moab. The placement of the tribes of the nation of Israel was critical and unique. The first tribe to move was the tribe of Judah, followed by the tribes of Issachar and then Zebulun, on the east side of the Tabernacle. The tribe of Reuben was to camp on the south side, along with the tribes of Simeon and Gad. The tribe of Ephraim, then, was to camp on the west side, along with the tribes of Manasseh and Benjamin. Finally, on the north side was the tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali.
We are a family-run international ministry with television, print and online programs designed to guide you through the Bible in one year.
From social issues and apologetics to theology, history and science, our mission is to educate, edify and encourage the believer to actively engage with God’s Word in all ways.
Up Next in February 2025
-
The Sacred Articles; Numbers 4-6
God had anointed the Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting as holy. Today as we study Numbers 4, we will read about the specific instructions given by the LORD through Moses and Aaron to the Levites, who were the selected tribe set apart by God to move and handle the holy items and to systematically move...
-
The Passover Problem; Numbers 7-9
Our study of Numbers 9 today covers the Passover observed and celebrated as a feast to the LORD, after they had come out of the land of Egypt. The children of Israel were to keep the Passover at its appointed day and time. However, there were certain men who could not celebrate Passover on that d...
-
Reaction; Numbers 14-16
The way we react shows people around us more about who we are than the way we act. To act like a Christian is easy, but to react like one who follows Christ is a lot more difficult. The way we react to a situation speaks to those around us about who or what we believe—in other words—our faith. We...
