In this chapter YHWH give instructions on how the tribes will be formatted around the tabernacle. They were not to camp too close to the tabernacle where YHWH dwelt in their midst. But this formations shows that He is central to the people, equally available to each tribe. Only the tribe of Levi is to encamp near the tabernacle so as they can perform their duties as priests. The people of each tribe are numbered, as to the men. But the Levites are not numbered.
With the tabernacle in the center, there are tribes encamped equally to the for quadrants, east, south, west, and north, forming a cross when seen from above.
God's arrangement of the tribes was a sovereign choice. The people did not discuss whom they wished to hang out with around the tabernacle. God decided and that is that. No discussion, no squabbles, just obedience and glad acceptance of God's wise choices.
There is no indication that Israel of Old Testament times used flags. In Numbers 2:1,2 we read: "And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch", we see the use of Standards/Ensigns, probably with markings denoting a special significance to each of the twelve tribes. As well, the use of a banner where the lead warrior would raise it up while the army comes behind him in readiness to fight, might also be understood.
But the Star of David (Magen David) was first seen as a flag of Israel in 1948, though the Star was accepted as a symbol by various groups, in particular the Zionist Congress in 1897. As well, the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe (in the 19th Century) used the symbol, but it was only official from 1948.
Hello Roy. Thank you for your comments - Praise the Lord for giving you this late awakening & a hunger for Him & His Truth; & no doubt you will use these ensuing years well to increase in faith, love & knowledge of the Lord.
I agree, the logistical problems for Moses would have been tremendous & doomed for failure if it were not for the Lord's Intervention: from the Lord Who called them, liberated them, & promised to guide & keep them. Considering the great company of people (possibly around 2 million) travelling in mainly desert conditions, we find that the Lord undertook wonderfully.
I feel that the march towards Canaan did not have a wide front of 50 miles or so. That it was probably more of a column march, with a front of say, half a mile & the column extending for many miles. I have nothing to substantiate this, just using the accepted pattern that gives the leader control, order, & communication (just as with a large army regiment marching towards an enemy position). We remember that when the Israelites marched forward, they went in their Tribes behind their leaders (indicating control & care given to a 'smaller' group rather than one person miles ahead trying to oversee all of them), Numbers 2:34.
For their food, Exodus 16:35 tells us that God provided manna for them for the forty years & in their complaining about it, the Lord also gave them quails ( Numbers 11:32). And for their water, again it was provided for them (whether casting a stick into bitter water to make it sweet, or water from a rock, or even from springs & oases along the way). For sanitation, probably a screened off area at each place they rested. It certainly was a difficult life, even as many mourned for the relative comforts & food of Egypt, & many died for their disobedience & complaining - they failed to really trust God to continue to demonstrate His Mighty Arm, both in their travels & when having to face their enemies in the future. Would we be any different in those circumstances?
Moses and Aaron listened to God to organize the families after His instructions. As Christians, we should look to our Heavenly Father to direct our path in this life. When we do we will also have the victory.
In this chapter YHWH give instructions on how the tribes will be formatted around the tabernacle. They were not to camp too close to the tabernacle where YHWH dwelt in their midst. But this formations shows that He is central to the people, equally available to each tribe. Only the tribe of Levi is to encamp near the tabernacle so as they can perform their duties as priests. The people of each tribe are numbered, as to the men. But the Levites are not numbered.
With the tabernacle in the center, there are tribes encamped equally to the for quadrants, east, south, west, and north, forming a cross when seen from above.
God's arrangement of the tribes was a sovereign choice. The people did not discuss whom they wished to hang out with around the tabernacle. God decided and that is that. No discussion, no squabbles, just obedience and glad acceptance of God's wise choices.
But the Star of David (Magen David) was first seen as a flag of Israel in 1948, though the Star was accepted as a symbol by various groups, in particular the Zionist Congress in 1897. As well, the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe (in the 19th Century) used the symbol, but it was only official from 1948.
I agree, the logistical problems for Moses would have been tremendous & doomed for failure if it were not for the Lord's Intervention: from the Lord Who called them, liberated them, & promised to guide & keep them. Considering the great company of people (possibly around 2 million) travelling in mainly desert conditions, we find that the Lord undertook wonderfully.
I feel that the march towards Canaan did not have a wide front of 50 miles or so. That it was probably more of a column march, with a front of say, half a mile & the column extending for many miles. I have nothing to substantiate this, just using the accepted pattern that gives the leader control, order, & communication (just as with a large army regiment marching towards an enemy position). We remember that when the Israelites marched forward, they went in their Tribes behind their leaders (indicating control & care given to a 'smaller' group rather than one person miles ahead trying to oversee all of them), Numbers 2:34.
For their food, Exodus 16:35 tells us that God provided manna for them for the forty years & in their complaining about it, the Lord also gave them quails ( Numbers 11:32). And for their water, again it was provided for them (whether casting a stick into bitter water to make it sweet, or water from a rock, or even from springs & oases along the way). For sanitation, probably a screened off area at each place they rested. It certainly was a difficult life, even as many mourned for the relative comforts & food of Egypt, & many died for their disobedience & complaining - they failed to really trust God to continue to demonstrate His Mighty Arm, both in their travels & when having to face their enemies in the future. Would we be any different in those circumstances?
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