Números 2
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
Números 2
Spurgeon - We will rejoice in thy salvation. In Jesus there is salvation; it is his own, and hence it is called thy salvation; but it is ours to receive and ours to rejoice in. We should fixedly resolve that come what may, we will rejoice in the saving arm of the Lord Jesus. The people in this psalm, before their king went to battle, felt sure of victory, and therefore began to rejoice beforehand; how much more ought we to do this who have seen the victory completely won! Unbelief begins weeping for the funeral before the man is dead; why should not faith commence piping before the dance of victory begins? Buds are beautiful, and promises not yet fulfilled are worthy to be admired. If joy were more general among the Lord's people, God would be more glorified among men; the happiness of the subjects is the honour of the sovereign. And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. We lift the standard of defiance in the face of the foe, and wave the flag of victory over the fallen adversary. Some proclaim war in the name of one king, and some of another, but the faithful go to war in Jesu's name, the name of the incarnate God, Immanuel, God with us. The times are evil at present, but so long as Jesus lives and reigns in his church we need not furl our banners in fear, but advance them with sacred courage. Jesu's tremendous Name Puts all our foes to flight; Jesus, the meek, the angry Lamb A Lion is in fight. The church cannot forget that Jesus is her Advocate before the throne, and therefore she sums up the desires already expressed in the short sentence, The Lord fulfil all thy petitions. Be it never forgotten that among those petitions is that choice one, "Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am." (John 17:24) Ronald Allen - It is somewhat surprising to have these three tribes first in the order of march since Reuben is regularly remembered as Jacob’s firstborn son (Nu 1:20). However, because of the perfidy of the three older brothers (Reuben, Simeon, and Levi; see Ge 49:3–7), Judah was ascendant and was granted pride of place among his brothers (49:8). Judah became scion of the royal line in which the Messiah would be born (49:10; Ru 4:18–21; Mt 1:1–16). Further, the placement on the east was significant in Israel’s thought. East is the place of the rising of the sun, the source of hope and sustenance. Westward was the sea. Israel’s traditional stance was with its back to the ocean and the descent of the sun. The ancient Hebrew people were not a seafaring folk like the Phoenicians and the Egyptians. For Israel the place of pride was on the east; hence there we find the triad of tribes headed by Judah, Jacob’s fourth son, the father of the royal house that leads to King Messiah. (EBC - Numbers) Sunrise (04217)(mizrach from zarach = to rise, come forth) masculine noun showing the place of the sunrise, east, eastward. It combines with šemeš to indicate the direction east, mizraḥ šemeš (Num. 21:11; 1 Ki. 7:25). It is used alone more often to mean east (Josh. 11:3; 1 Chr. 9:24; Neh. 12:37; Ps. 103:12). TWOT - Used in relation to the sun rising, it refers specifically to the place or area of sunrise. It is often translated "east." It is used in a strictly locative sense (Isaiah 41:2; Joshua 11:8) but also figuratively in prophecies of woe (Amos 8:12) and of blessedness (Zech. 14:4). Gilbrant - Mizrāch is used exclusively to designate the cardinal direction east. It can be used as part of a phrase to describe the entirety of the earth, "from the rising of the sun to the west" (e.g., Deut. 4:47) or "from the rising to the setting of the sun" (Mal. 1:11). It can be used as a directive, "toward the east/rising of the sun" (e.g., Josh. 12:1). Mizrāch can also represent the "eastern" side of a locale (e.g., 2 Chr. 5:12). It is used once as a proper name to designate the East Gate of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:29). (Complete Biblical Library Hebrew-English Dictionary) Mizrach - 71v - east(41), east side(2), east side*(2), east*(9), eastern(2), eastward(5), rising(6), sunrise(3), sunrise*(3), sunrising(1). - Exod. 27:13; Exod. 38:13; Num. 2:3; Num. 3:38; Num. 21:11; Num. 32:19; Num. 34:15; Deut. 3:17; Deut. 3:27; Deut. 4:41; Deut. 4:47; Deut. 4:49; Jos. 1:15; Jos. 4:19; Jos. 11:3; Jos. 11:8; Jos. 12:1; Jos. 12:3; Jos. 13:5; Jos. 13:8; Jos. 13:27; Jos. 13:32; Jos. 16:1; Jos. 16:5; Jos. 16:6; Jos. 17:10; Jos. 18:7; Jos. 19:12; Jos. 19:13; Jos. 19:27; Jos. 19:34; Jos. 20:8; Jdg. 11:18; Jdg. 20:43; Jdg. 21:19; 1 Ki. 7:25; 2 Ki. 10:33; 1 Chr. 4:39; 1 Chr. 5:9; 1 Chr. 5:10; 1 Chr. 6:78; 1 Chr. 7:28; 1 Chr. 9:18; 1 Chr. 9:24; 1 Chr. 12:15; 1 Chr. 26:14; 1 Chr. 26:17; 2 Chr. 4:4; 2 Chr. 5:12; 2 Chr. 29:4; 2 Chr. 31:14; Neh. 3:26; Neh. 3:29; Neh. 12:37; Ps. 50:1; Ps. 103:12; Ps. 107:3; Ps. 113:3; Isa. 41:2; Isa. 41:25; Isa. 43:5; Isa. 45:6; Isa. 46:11; Isa. 59:19; Jer. 31:40; Dan. 8:9; Dan. 11:44; Amos 8:12; Zech. 8:7; Zech. 14:4; Mal. 1:11 Numbers 2:4 and his army, even their numbered men, 74,600. Nu 1:27 26:22 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries and his army, even their numbered men, 74,600. Army (hosts) (06635)(tsaba from tsaba = to go forth to war, to wage war, to serve) is a masculine noun meaning troops or army (2Ki 5:1) and so has to do with fighting, war or warfare in many of the OT passages. The TWOT says the root verb tsaba "has to do with fighting, e.g. Israel warring against Midian (Nu 31:7). It has also a wider use in the sense of rendering service." And so in a group of uses in Numbers (Nu 4:3, 23, 30, 35, 39, 43, 8:24-25) tsaba has to do with service related to the Tent of Meeting (or Tabernacle). So one might say tsaba is used in contexts of warfare or worship! Tsaba in Numberbs Num. 1:3; Num. 1:20; Num. 1:22; Num. 1:24; Num. 1:26; Num. 1:28; Num. 1:30; Num. 1:32; Num. 1:34; Num. 1:36; Num. 1:38; Num. 1:40; Num. 1:42; Num. 1:45; Num. 1:52; Num. 2:3; Num. 2:4; Num. 2:6; Num. 2:8; Num. 2:9; Num. 2:10; Num. 2:11; Num. 2:13; Num. 2:15; Num. 2:16; Num. 2:18; Num. 2:19; Num. 2:21; Num. 2:23; Num. 2:24; Num. 2:25; Num. 2:26; Num. 2:28; Num. 2:30; Num. 2:32; Num. 4:3; Num. 4:23; Num. 4:30; Num. 4:35; Num. 4:39; Num. 4:43; Num. 8:24; Num. 8:25; Num. 10:14; Num. 10:15; Num. 10:16; Num. 10:18; Num. 10:19; Num. 10:20; Num. 10:22; Num. 10:23; Num. 10:24; Num. 10:25; Num. 10:26; Num. 10:27; Num. 10:28; Num. 26:2; Num. 31:3; Num. 31:4; Num. 31:5; Num. 31:6; Num. 31:14; Num. 31:21; Num. 31:32; Num. 31:36; Num. 31:48; Num. 31:53; Num. 32:27; Num. 33:1 Numbered (06485)(pequddah/pāqadh/paqad) conveys the root idea of something that is attended to or set in order -- fighting men under an officer (2 Chr. 17:14), priests in an order (1 Chr. 23:11; 24:19); arrangement of Tabernacle (Nu 4:16[2x]). Office of one in charge of something (Ps 109:8) or officers (2 Ki. 11:18; Isa. 60:17). Usually pequddah means accounting when God attended to people's actions, usually to call them to account for their sins (Nu 16:29; Jer. 48:44). In Job 10:12 God's attention was for Job's good. "The basic meaning is to exercise oversight over a subordinate, either in the form of inspecting or of taking action to cause a considerable change in the circumstances of the subordinate either for the better or for the worse." (TWOT) "Most often, the word means accounting and refers to a time of accounting when God attended to people's actions, usually to call them to account for their sins (Num. 16:29; Jer. 48:44)." (Baker) Paqad is used 103x in 90v in Numbers out of about 297x in OT. Numbers 2:5 "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, Nu 1:8,28,29 7:18,23 10:15 26:23-25 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries ISSACHAR TOWARD THE SUNRISE Those who camp next to him (next to Judah - see schematic) shall be the tribe of Issachar, and the leader of the sons of Issachar: Nethanel the son of Zuar - (See depiction above) Numbers 2:6 and his army, even their numbered men, 54,400. Nu 1:29 26:25 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries and his army, even their numbered men, 54,400. Army (hosts) (06635) see note on tsaba Numbered (06485) see note on paqad Numbers 2:7 "Then comes the tribe of Zebulun, and the leader of the sons of Zebulun: Eliab the son of Helon, Nu 1:9,30,31 7:24,29 10:16 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries ZEBULUN TOWARD THE SUNRISE Then comes the tribe of Zebulun, and the leader of the sons of Zebulun: Zebulun - The sixth son of Jacob. His mother was Leah (Gen. 35:23). He and his sons went to Egypt (Gen. 46:14). He lived near the shore of the Mediterranean and had some access to the sea (Gen. 49:13), evidently Galilee. The name of the tribe and territory of Zebulun. The territory, in lower Galilee, was bounded on the east by Asher, on the north and south by Issachar and Naphtali, on the southeast by Issachar, and on the southwest by Manasseh. It was located near major trade routes through the Jezreel Valley to the south (Josh. 19:10-16; Judg. 1:30). The tribe failed to drive out some Canaanites from a few cities. This tribe showed itself valiant for the Lord in various battles (Judg. 4:6, 10; 5:14, 18; 6:35; 1 Chr. 12:33, 40). Its population was conquered and deported by the Assyrians (722 b.c.). Ezekiel's new Temple vision reserves a place for this tribe (48:26, 27, 33). (CWD) Eliab the son of Helon - (see schematic) Eliab ('God is father,') -:"There are six men with this name. The first was the son of Helon and leader of the tribe of Zebulun during the Exodus. He assisted Moses and Aaron in the military census which was taken while they were in Sinai. He was responsible for bringing the tribe's offering when the altar was dedicated at the tabernacle (Num. 1:9; 7:24; 10:16)." (Gilbrant) the son of Helon ("the strong one.") Numbers 2:8 and his army, even his numbered men, 57,400. Nu 1:31 26:26,27 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries and his army, even his numbered men, 57,400. Army (hosts) (06635) see note on tsaba Numbered (06485) see note on paqad Numbers 2:9 "The total of the numbered men of the camp of Judah: 186,400, by their armies. They shall set out first. Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries JOURNEYING IN ORDER THROUGH THE WILDERNESS The total of the numbered men of the camp of Judah: 186,400, by their armies - Note that Judah, Issachar and Zebulun represent the fourth, fifth, and sixth sons of Jacob by Leah. Wiersbe suggests that "Since the entrance to the tabernacle was there, it was important to have the largest number of soldiers protecting it." (Ibid) Numbered (06485) see note on paqad Army (hosts) (06635) see note on tsaba They shall set out first - When the nation begins to travel or journey from one location to another, Judah will be the lead nation. God called for Israel to move out in specific order, not as a mob. NLT Study Bible. - This largest of the tribal groups (186,400) could provide adequate protection for the sacred tent and its attendants. Numbers 2:10 "On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben by their armies, and the leader of the sons of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur, camp of Reuben: Ge 49:3,4 1Ch 5:1 Elizur: Nu 1:5 7:30,35 10:18 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben by their armies, and the leader of the sons of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur - see schematic with adjacent tribes on the south. Gilbrant - South was yamin, “right hand.” The southernmost nation of the Arabian Peninsula today is called Yemen, the Arabic cognate of yamin. Standard (01714) see degel Army (hosts) (06635) see note on tsaba Reuben means :"behold my firstborn," but he became as "uncontrollable as water." Why? Ge 35:22 says "It came about while Israel was dwelling in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it. Now there were twelve sons of Jacob." And then in Ge 49:3-4 we read "Reuben, you are my firstborn; My might and the beginning of my strength, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. Uncontrolled (pahaz = to be reckless, to be arrogant. It means to be undisciplined, wild, insolent) as water, you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it–he went up to my couch. Ryrie adds "Reuben, the firstborn, forfeited his place of preeminence because of his fornica-tion with Bilhah (Ge 35:22). Jacob predicted instability and ineffectiveness. No prophet, judge, or hero came from this tribe (Judg. 5:15-16; 1 Chr. 5:1)." Elizur - This name means "God is a rock" and refers to Elizur, the son of Shedeur from the tribe of Reuben. During Israel's Exodus from Egypt, Elizur was the leader of his tribe (Num. 2:10). He assisted Moses and Aaron as they conducted a census of the Israelite community (Num. 1:5). When Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle (7:1), Elizur represented his tribe in the offering of a gift on the fourth day of the tabernacle's dedication (7:30-35). Later, as the Israelite community broke camp and left Sinai (cf. 10:11-13), Elizur led his tribe (v. 18). (Complete Biblical Library Hebrew-English Dictionary) Shedeur (The name may mean "Shaddai is fire," "Shaddai is light" or "Shaddai gives light.") Num. 1:5; Num. 2:10; Num. 7:30; Num. 7:35; Num. 10:18 Numbers 2:11 and his army, even their numbered men, 46,500. Nu 1:21 26:7 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries and his army, even their numbered men, 46,500 Army (hosts) (06635) see note on tsaba Numbered (06485) see note on paqad Numbers 2:12 "Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon, and the leader of the sons of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, Shelumiel: Nu 1:6 7:36,41 10:19 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon see schematic with adjacent tribes on the south. And the leader of the sons of Simeon: Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai Simeon - - The second of Leah's sons from Jacob. His name means "hearing" (Gen. 29:33; 35:23). He and Levi savagely avenged the rape of their sister Dinah by Shechem, son of Hamor the Hivite (Gen. 34:1-4). He had many sons, one by a Canaanite woman (Gen. 46:10). Jacob noted his violent nature in his prophetic utterance (Gen. 49:5). Simeon's tribal inheritance lay within Judah. It included some strategic cities, such as Beersheba, Hormah and Ziklag in the Negev area. Ezekiel alloted Simeon's descendant a place in his vision of a new Temple and New Jerusalem (Ezek. 48:24-33). (Baker) Shelumiel means something like "God is my peace." or "At Peace With God" and is from the verb שלם (shalem), to be or make whole or complete, and אל ('el), God. (Num. 1:6; 2:12; 7:36, 41; 10:19). Zurishaddai has the familiar name Shaddai (Shadday) and means "The Almighty is my rock and strength." (Nu 1:6; 2:12; 7:36, 41; 10:19) Numbers 2:13 and his army, even their numbered men, 59,300. Nu 1:23 26:14 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries and his army, even their numbered men, 59,300 Army (hosts) (06635) see note on tsaba Numbered (06485) see note on paqad Numbers 2:14 "Then comes the tribe of Gad, and the leader of the sons of Gad: Eliasaph the son of Deuel, Eliasaph: Nu 1:14 7:42,47 10:20, Son of Deuel Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries Then comes the tribe of Gad, see schematic with adjacent tribes on the south. and the leader of the sons of Gad: Eliasaph - 'God has added' (el = God + yasaph = add) Used of two people. Ten days after Moses had finished setting up the Tabernacle, Deuel's son Eliasaph presented an offering on behalf of his brethren (Nu 7:42, 47). When the Israelites left Sinai, Deuel's son was placed in charge of the warriors belonging to the tribe of Gad (Nu 10:20). Chief of Gad (Num. 1:14; 2:14; 3:24; 7:42, 47; 10:20 Chief of Gershon (Num. 3:24). the son of Deuel - NET Note on Deuel - The Leningrad codex, upon which BHS is based, has "Reuel" here. In reading "Deuel" the translation presented above follows many medieval Hebrew manuscripts, Smr, and the Latin Vulgate. Cf. Num 1:14. ( The letters R and D are similar in Heb. and were easily confused by the scribes who copied the text.) Numbers 2:15 and his army, even their numbered men, 45,650. Nu 1:25 26:18 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries and his army, even their numbered men, 45,650 Army (hosts) (06635) see note on tsaba Numbered (06485) see note on paqad Numbers 2:16 "The total of the numbered men of the camp of Reuben: 151,450 by their armies. And they shall set out second. Nu 2:9,24,31 they shall: Nu 10:18 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries SECOND TO MARCH OUT The total of the numbered men of the camp of Reuben: 151,450 by their armies. And they shall set out second - Tribes of Reuben, Simeon and Gad follow the lead tribes of Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. Reuben and Simeon were the first and second sons by Leah. The third tribe in this group was Gad the oldest son of Leah’s handmaid. Numbered (06485) see note on paqad Army (hosts) (06635) see note on tsaba Numbers 2:17 "Then the tent of meeting shall set out with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; just as they camp, so they shall set out, every man in his place by their standards. NET Numbers 2:17 "Then the tent of meeting with the camp of the Levites will travel in the middle of the camps. They will travel in the same order as they camped, each in his own place under his standard. NLT Numbers 2:17 "Then the Tabernacle, carried by the Levites, will set out from the middle of the camp. All the tribes are to travel in the same order that they camp, each in position under the appropriate family banner. ESV Numbers 2:17 "Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; as they camp, so shall they set out, each in position, standard by standard. NIV Numbers 2:17 Then the Tent of Meeting and the camp of the Levites will set out in the middle of the camps. They will set out in the same order as they encamp, each in his own place under his standard. Tent of meeting: Nu 2:1 1:50-53 3:38 10:17,21 1Co 14:40 Col 2:5 Numbers 2 Resources - Multiples Sermons and Commentaries THE TENT OF MEETING MOVES OUT From ESV Study Bible Then the tent of meeting shall set out with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; just as they camp Levi was the third son of Leah. The Tent of Meeting is synonymous with the Tabernacle. The tribes on the east (Judah, Issachar, Zebulun) and on the south (Reuben, Simeon, Gad) marched ahead of the Tabernacle and the Levites, and those on the west (Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin) and north (Dan, Asher, Naphtali) marched behind the Tabernacle. Note the phrase in the midst of the camps emphasizing God's presence within the heart of the camp. Yahweh is in the center (midst) of Israel not only when it is camped but also when it is marched out. Jehovah should be at the center of all Israel's (and our) activities beloved! THOUGHT - Believers are indwelt by the Spirit in their heart, their "center," so whatever our posture or position, God is in the center. This makes the exhortation of Solomon even more vital to obey (even that obedience enable by the Spirit), that we "Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. " (Pr 4:23+). Ronald Allen points out that the Tent of Meeting in the midst or center of the camp "is a change from Exodus 33:7–11+. Then Moses’ personal tent (see Note) was without the camp, and Moses would go outside the camp to seek the word of God. Here the tent is within the camp, and all Israel was positioned around it. Earlier, the Lord would “come down” from time to time; here he was continually in their midst. There is a sense here of the progressive manifestation of the presence of God in the midst of the people. First he was on the mountain of Sinai; then he came to the tent outside the camp; then he indwelt the tent in the midst of the camp. One day he would reveal himself through the incarnation in the midst of his people (Jn 1:1–18); and, on a day still to come, there will be an even greater realization of the presence of the person of God dwelling in the midst of his people in the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:1–4). The story of the Bible is largely the story of the progressive revelation of God among his people (Heilsgeschichte—“the history of salvation,” in the “good sense”) and the progressive preparation of a people to be fit to live in his presence." (EBC) so they shall set out, every man in his place by their standards - NET = "They will travel in the same order as they camped, each in his own place under his standard." This clearly refers to a specifically designated place for each man. Standard (01714) see degel The nation of Israel marched out as ONE BODY, even though composed of 12 divisions, with ONE GOD in their midst and they were all in order reminding us of the ideal New Testament pattern... There is ONE BODY and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 ONE GOD and Father of all Who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:4-6+)
Números 2
Spurgeon - “They shall go hindmost with their standards.” —Numbers 2:31 The camp of Dan brought up the rear when the armies of Israel were on the march. The Danites occupied the hindmost place, but what mattered the position, since they were as truly part of the host as were the foremost tribes; they followed the same fiery cloudy pillar, they ate of the same manna, drank of the same spiritual rock, and journeyed to the same inheritance. Come, my heart, cheer up, though last and least; it is thy privilege to be in the army, and to fare as they fare who lead the van. Some one must be hindmost in honour and esteem, some one must do menial work for Jesus, and why should not I? In a poor village, among an ignorant peasantry; or in a back street, among degraded sinners, I will work on, and “go hindmost with my standard.” The Danites occupied a very useful place. Stragglers have to be picked up upon the march, and lost property has to be gathered from the field. Fiery spirits may dash forward over untrodden paths to learn fresh truth, and win more souls to Jesus; but some of a more conservative spirit may be well engaged in reminding the church of her ancient faith, and restoring her fainting sons. Every position has its duties, and the slowly moving children of God will find their peculiar state one in which they may be eminently a blessing to the whole host. The rear guard is a place of danger. There are foes behind us as well as before us. Attacks may come from any quarter. We read that Amalek fell upon Israel, and slew some of the hindmost of them. The experienced Christian will find much work for his weapons in aiding those poor doubting, desponding, wavering, souls, who are hindmost in faith, knowledge, and joy. These must not be left unaided, and therefore be it the business of well-taught saints to bear their standards among the hindmost. My soul, do thou tenderly watch to help the hindmost this day. Numbers 2:32 These are the numbered men of the sons of Israel by their fathers' households; the total of the numbered men of the camps by their armies, 603,550. Nu 2:9 1:46 11:21 26:51 Ex 12:37 38:26 These are the numbered men of the sons of Israel by their fathers' households; the total of the numbered men of the camps by their armies, 603,550 - "The total of 603,550 equals that of Nu 1:46, and the exclusion of the Levites is likewise repeated. Repetition is a common practice in Hebrew narrative, showing consistency and development in the broader narrative." (HCSB SB) Allen - These verses (vv 32-33) conform to and summarize Nu 1:44–53. The total number is the same as in Nu 1:46, and the distinction of the Levites is maintained (Nu 1:47–53). The arrangement of the numbers of the tribes in triads (each with subtotals, as well as the grand total for the whole) signifies the concept of stability in these large numbers in the text. (EBC) Numbered (06485) see note on paqad Armies (hosts) (06635) see note on tsaba Numbers 2:33 The Levites, however, were not numbered among the sons of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. The Levites, however, were not numbered among the sons of Israel, just as the LORD had commanded Moses - See Nu 1:47-49+ Numbered (06485) see note on paqad Numbers 2:34 Thus the sons of Israel did; according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so they camped by their standards, and so they set out, every one by his family according to his father's household. according: Nu 1:54 Ex 39:42 Ps 119:6 Lu 1:6 so they: Nu 2:2 10:28 23:9,10,21 24:2,5,6 OBEDIENCE TO JEHOVAH'S COMMAND Thus the sons of Israel did; according to all that the LORD commanded Moses - "Thus the sons of Israel did; according to all which the LORD had commanded Moses, so they did." (Nu 1:54+) So they camped by their standards, and so they set out, every one by his family according to his father's household This is an amazing statement in light of their disobedience and disbelief in the near future. This shows one can have a good beginning but a disastrous ending (all died in the wilderness because of their disobedience). O how we each need to memorize, meditate on and continually practice Paul's admonition in 1 Cor 10:12 "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) that he does not fall." THOUGHT - Israel's momentary obedience reminds me of the "chain" of virtues in 2 Peter 1:5+ "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love." Specifically note that after moral excellence, knowledge and self-control comes perseverance, the very virtue the nation of Israel would soon prove she sorely lacked! How is your self-control? Is it persevering or is it passing and perfunctory? Remember, the only way to persevere is by continual reliance on the supernatural power of the Spirit! Ronald Allen - Certainly the text points to the mercy of God and his blessing on the people. It may have been the beauty of the order of this plan of encampment that led the unlikely prophet Balaam to say, “How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, / your dwelling places, O Israel!” (Nu 24:5).Fittingly, Balaam’s words—the gasp of an outsider—became among the most treasured in the community. Cyrus Gordon wrote of them, “They have remained the most cherished passages in Scripture throughout Synagogue history” In receiving praise from the outsider Balaam, the order and beauty of the camp must continue to stir the heart of the faithful to exhibit even more robust praise. Again the book of Numbers, despite our initial misgivings, is a book of worship.(Take a moment ot worship and Play song) (EBC) Lite Application Study Bible - This must have been one of the biggest campsites the world has ever seen! It would have taken about 12 square miles to set up tents for just the 600,000 fighting men-not to mention the women and children. Moses must have had a difficult time managing such a group. In the early stages of the journey and at Mount Sinai, the people were generally obedient to both God and Moses. But when the people left Mount Sinai and traveled across the rugged wilderness, they began to complain, grumble, and disobey. Soon problems erupted, and Moses could no longer effectively manage the Israelites. The books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers present a striking contrast between how much we can accomplish when we obey God and how little we can accomplish when we don't. Standard (01714) see degel Irving Jensen - By finding their designated places and keeping to them, the families of the Israelites were taught some vital lessons preparatory to marching and going to war. They were taught to keep their places, whether in camp or on the move; to recognize their dependency on others for protection on all sides; to keep their eyes on the standards, and to heed the voices of their leaders. They were also taught that both camping and marching were in the divine purposes. The journey to Canaan would involve marching, and it would involve camping. Never would the Israelites reach Canaan if they did not keep moving forward; the demands of moving forward would be hard and long, hence the need of mustering renewed strength at camping time. Perhaps the most important lesson God was teaching the Israelites in the directions for camping and marching was that He, Jehovah, their Covenant Maker and Covenant Fulfiller, must be central in their lives. The tabernacle was not arbitrarily placed in the center of the camp. It was placed there by divine design to be the crossroads of all daily activity, to be the major focus of attention, to be a continual reminder of the Person who dwelt in the midst of the people and Who was rightfully commanding worship and loyalty. (Numbers) David Guzik on Numbers 2 Observations 1. God is a God of order; here, before Israel can take the Promised Land, He requires they order themselves also. Not only is it more efficient and useful, but it also simply more like God—ordered and organized. a. There is a limit to what we can be and what we can do for the LORD without order and organization. It isn’t that order and organization are requirements for progress in the Christian life; they are progress in the Christian life, becoming more like the LORD. b. Nothing is accomplished in God’s kingdom without order and organization. While it may seem so to us, it is only an illusion—behind the scenes, God is moving with utmost order and organization, though we cannot see it. 2. God orders things according to His wisdom, not ours. In the arrangement of the tribes, He did not place the largest tribes closest to the tabernacle (as if bigger was always better); Ephraim, the closest westward tribe, is the third smallest tribe. Nor did He place all the large tribes on the outward perimeter for greatest protection (Benjamin, the second smallest tribe, is on the outer perimeter). God always has order and organization, but it may not make sense to us. a. Our resistance to God’s order and organization is almost always the product of simple selfishness—wanting to do things our own way, instead of the LORD’s. For slaves, it is simple—slaves are always told what to do and don’t need to be ordered and organized. But free men must be taught order and organization, and must submit to it. 3. Everything was positioned in relation to the presence of God, the tabernacle. God could have described where the tribe of Judah was in relation to the tribe of Dan, but He did not. The reference point was always God Himself. a. It is hard to underestimate the trouble people get into in their walk with God because they position and measure themselves in reference to other people. God is to be our focus, not other people. 4. The tribes of Israel camped around four banners, which were said to be a lion, a man, a calf, and an eagle. We find the same four creatures surrounding the throne of God in Revelation. a. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. (Revelation 4:7) i. “According to rabbinical tradition, the standard of Judah bore the figure of a lion, that of Reuben the likeness of a man or of a man’s head, that of Ephraim the figure of an ox, and that of Dan the figure of an eagle.” (Keil—Delitzsch) b. God’s order is never arbitrary, or just made up on a whim. It is after His heavenly pattern. We must always accept God’s order and organization, even when we don’t understand it. (Enduring Word)