_A.M. 2514. B.C. 1490._ Orders concerning the camp, (1,) _ A general order, Numbers 2:1; Numbers 2:2._ (2,) Particular directions for posting each of the tribes, in four squadrons. In the vanguard, on the east, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, Numbers 2:3. In the right wing, southward, Reuben, Simeon... [ Continue Reading ]
_His own standard_ It is manifest there were four great standards or ensigns, which here follow, distinguished by their colours or figures; also there were other particular ensigns belonging to each of their fathers' houses or families. _Far off_ Partly out of reverence to God and his worship, and t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Judah_ This tribe was in the first post, and in their marches led the van, not only because it was the most numerous, but chiefly because Christ, _the Lion of the tribe of Judah_, was to descend from it: yea, from the loins of _Nahshon_, who is here appointed the chief captain of it.... [ Continue Reading ]
_In the midst_ This is not to be understood strictly, but largely; for in their march they were divided, and part of that tribe marched next after Judah, (Numbers 10:17,) and the other part exactly in the midst of the camp.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ephraim_ Who is here preferred before his brother, according to the prophecy, Genesis 48:19.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The camp of Dan_ The strongest camp next after Judah, and therefore he comes in the rear, as Judah marched in the front, that the tabernacle might be best guarded where there was most danger. The Jews say this camp made a square of twelve miles in compass about the tabernacle, three miles on each s... [ Continue Reading ]
_So they pitched by their standards_ Their order was so beautiful, that when Balaam beheld the camp of Israel from an eminence, he exclaimed with admiration, _How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! thy tabernacles, O Israel! As valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side? Numbers 24:5_... [ Continue Reading ]