Números 2
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Números 2
NJB (MT versing) Arrangement of the Camps The Tribes and Leaders by Armies The Arrangement of the Tribes While Encamped Or On the March The Arrangement of the Tribes in Camp Order of the Tribes 2:1-9 2:1-9 2:1-9 2:1-2 2:1 2:2 2:3-9 2:3-4 2:5-6 2:7-8 2:9 2:10-16 2:10-17 2:10-16 2:10-16 2:10-11 2:12-13 2:14-15 2:16 2:17 2:17 2:17 2:17 2:18-24 2:18-24 2:18-24 2:18-24 2:18-19 2:20-21 2:22-23 2:24 2:25-31 2:25-31 2:25-31 2:25-31 2:25-26 2:27-28 2:29-30 2:31 2:32-34 2:32-34 2:32-33 2:32-33 2:32-33 2:34 2:34 2:34 Etc.
Números 2:1-9
2:2 "shall camp" This VERB (BDB 333, KB 332) is repeated often in this chapter. Qal IMPERFECT ‒ Num. 2:2 (twice),17 Qal PARTICIPLE ‒ Num. 2:3,12,27 Qal PERFECT ‒ Num. 2:34 Each "camp" (i.e., compass directions) had three tribes. ▣ "each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers' households" The term "standard" is first mentioned in Num. 1:52. See note there. The term "banners" (BDB 16, #7) is only here and Ps. 74:4. Apparently every tribe had a "standard" and every clan a "banner" (TEV, NJB). ▣ "tent of meeting" There has been some confusion (NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 874, #2) about where the Tabernacle was placed in the camp of Israel. outside the camp ‒ Exod. 33:7-11; Num. 11:24-30 in the midst of the camp ‒ Num. 2:2,17; 5:3; Exod. 25:8 The Exod. 33:7-11 text mentions "a tent," not specifically the Tabernacle complex. I think Moses had a separate special small tent for revelation that was somewhat secluded from the camp, lest the Israelites see God and die! ▣ NASB, NKJV, NJB, JPSOA "at a distance" NRSV, REB "facing" "opposite around" "far off around" The MT has two ADVERBS. facing ‒ BDB 617 on every side ‒ BDB 686 This formation matches the pattern of Rameses II's military camp, except where the Pharaoh's tent was is now the Tabernacle of YHWH. See Introduction VI., A., #1. Moses was trained in the Egyptian military schools. See SPECIAL TOPIC: TABERNACLE (chart). 2:3 The preeminent tribal position was at the entrance of the Tabernacle, which faced east. Even though Reuben is listed first in Numbers 1, as Jacob's firstborn, here, Judah has the place of honor. By the numbers of military age men listed, it was the largest tribe (cf. Num. 2:9). 2:4 "numbered men" This VERB (BDB 823, KB 955, Qal PASSIVE PARTICIPLE) occurs often in this chapter (cf. Num. 2:4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31, 32 [twice], 33).
Números 2:10-16
2:14 "Deuel" See note at Num. 1:14. The Leningrad codex has "Ruel."