Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Numbers 2:3
And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.
3. Judah ] The most important tribe in each group of three is mentioned first, and the numbers of all the three together are reckoned under its name ( Num 2:9 ; Num 2:16 ; Num 2:24 ; Num 2:31).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The following plan shows the general arrangement of the camp, which would vary in different places according to local exigencies. The area of the camp might be about three square miles:
Num 2:14
Reuel – Doubtless an error of transcription for Deuel Num 1:14.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Num 2:3-4
The camp of Judah.
The encampment of Judah
I. The tribe. Judah signifies praise. Now will I praise the Lord, said his mother Leah at his birth (Gen 29:35). Thus is the spiritual Judah established and made a praise in the earth (Isa 62:7), to the glory of God of whom it is born and made. This whole family in heaven and earth is named and appointed to be a continual praise to the glory of the omnipotent grace of Jehovah. Kings and priests as they all are, is not each a brand plucked out of the fire? (Zec 3:2).
II. Their encampment. Judah shall encamp. But in what form and order? Upon this we have only to say, with respect to the spiritual Judah, that the mystical Cross of their great High Priest embodies itself in all their stations and movements, gives shape to all their hopes and expectations, directs and regulates their prayers, praises, and exertions. Whatever they attempt or whatever they enjoy is conformed to the Cross.
III. The direction in which the camp is situated. Judah shall encamp toward the sun-rising. Such too is the cheerful situation of the beloved people; they have the evening behind them, and the morning in their eye. All are looking towards the rising day, towards the Day-star from on high.
IV. Judahs encampment toward the sun-rising was to be with his banner. Banners gave the signal for the people to march; they were painted upon hills and eminences, that they might be seen at a distance, and straightway the hosts marched towards and gathered round them. So it is with our banner of the Cross. It is a magnet of irresistible attraction. Wherever it is lifted up, there is a movement, an excitement, a stir, and the elect of God gather around it with exultation or with weeping.
V. Judahs host. How astonished should we be, what mingled terror and great joy would surprise us, if suddenly those covering angel-hosts, which encompass the spiritual Israel, were to burst the veil which renders them invisible to mortal eyes, and come forth at once into full view! Some in this world have been favoured to behold a portion of those invisible squadrons which always attend the children of God. Judahs host is the heavenly band of watchers, who are sent forth to minister to the safety and welfare of those who shall be heirs of salvation.
VI. The name of Judahs captain is Nahshon, son of Amminadab. This name truly belongs to the Prince of the host, the Captain of our salvation. Nahshon signifies experience; and who is so experienced in conflict as He who was made perfect in sufferings, and having spoiled principalities and powers, overcame death, and opened to us the gate of everlasting life! Who is so experienced a captain as He, whose unslumbering pastoral care has been exercised for ages in behalf of His people! Who is so experienced in the tumult and alarm of war as He, against whom the infatuated and cold-hearted world have been bearing arms day and night for so many centuries I And who is so accustomed to triumph as He, who is making all such enemies His footstool and everywhere abides last upon the field! Appropriate therefore to Him is the name of Nahshon. He is also as truly in character the son of Amminadab. For this name, which signifies My people are a willing gift, directs our thoughts first to God the Father, as freely giving to Christ all who will ever come unto Him, and as making them also willing in the day of His power. (F. W. Krummacher, D. D.)
Aspects of honour
I. Honour wisely conferred.
II. Honour in relation with duty and responsibility.
III. Honour as connected with parental influence,
IV. Honour as related to future greatness.
Jacob had predicted that Judah should be the ruling tribe; he promised to Judah a kingdom and sovereignty. Ages more were to pass away before the prediction was fulfilled; but the honour now conferred on the tribe would encourage faith in its predicted destiny. Its natural tendency would be to stimulate them to–
1. Believe in their destiny.
2. Work for their destiny.
3. Wait for their destiny.
Let every privilege conferred upon us increase our assurance of the splendid honours which await us hereafter. (W. Jones)
.
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
3. on the east side toward therising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judahpitch throughout their armiesJudah, placed at the head of acamp composed of three tribes rallying under its standard, was saidto have combined the united colors in the high priest’s breastplate,but called by the name of Judah. They were appointed to occupy theeast side and to take the lead in the march, which, for the mostpart, was in an easterly direction.
Nahshonor Naasson(Mat 1:4; Luk 3:32;Luk 3:33).
shall be captainItappears that the twelve men who were called to superintend the censuswere also appointed to be the captains of their respective tribesadignity which they owed probably to the circumstances, formerlynoticed, of their holding the hereditary office of head or “prince.”
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And on the east side, towards the rising of the sun,…. Which rises in the east; or of all; for, as Jarchi observes, that which is “before” is called “Kedem”, the east, as the west is called “behind”:
shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch, throughout their armies; the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, formed one camp, which had its name from the principal tribe Judah; and this was divided into various regiments and companies, called armies, who severally pitched under one and the same standard. It is said g Judah’s stone was the “nophech” (which we render an emerald), and his flag was coloured in the likeness of the colour of the heavens, and there was formed upon it a lion. Issachar’s was the sapphire, and his flag was coloured black, like to black lead, and there were framed upon it the sun and moon, on account of what is said, 1Ch 12:32. Zebulun’s was a diamond, and his flag was coloured white, and there was formed upon it a ship, because of what is said, Ge 49:13;
and Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, [shall be] captain of the children of Judah; who had been assisting in numbering the people, and who afterwards offered to the dedication of the altar, Nu 1:2.
g Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 2. fol. 178. 2.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Order of the tribes in the camp and on the march. – Num 2:3-9. The standard of the tribe of Judah was to encamp in front, namely towards the east, according to its hosts; and by its side the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun, the descendants of Leah, under the command and banner of Judah: an army of 186,400 men, which was to march out first when the camp was broken up (Num 2:9), so that Judah led the way as the champion of his brethren ( Gen 49:10).
Num 2:4-9 “ His host, and those that were numbered of them ” (cf. Num 2:6, Num 2:8, Num 2:11, etc.), i.e., the army according to its numbered men.
Num 2:10-16 On the south side was the standard of Reuben, with which Simeon and Gad, descendants of Leah and her maid Zilpah, were associated, and to which they were subordinated. In Num 2:14, Reuel is a mistake for Reuel (Num 1:14; Num 7:42; Num 10:20), which is the reading given here in 118 MSS cited by Kennicott and De Rossi, in several of the ancient editions, and in the Samaritan, Vulgate, and Jonah Saad., whereas the lxx, Onk., Syr., and Pers. read Reuel. This army of 151,450 men was to break up and march as the second division.
Num 2:17 The tabernacle, the camp of the Levites, was to break up after this in the midst of the camps (i.e., of the other tribes). “ As they encamp, so shall they break up, ” that is to say, with Levi in the midst of the tribes, “ every man in his place, according to his banner.” , place, as in Deu 23:13; Isa 57:8.
Num 2:18-24 On the west the standard of Ephraim, with the tribes of Manasseh and Benjamin, that is to say, the whole of the descendants of Rachel, 108,100 men, as the third division of the army.
Num 2:25-30 Lastly, towards the north was the standard of Gad, with Asher and Naphtali, the descendants of the maids Bilhah and Zilpah, 157,600 men, who were to be the last to break up, and formed the rear on the march.
Num 2:31 ( according to their standards) is equivalent to ( according to their hosts) in Num 2:9, Num 2:16, and Num 2:24, i.e., according to the hosts of which they consisted.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
3 And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah. 4 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred. 5 And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar. 6 And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred. 7 Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun. 8 And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred. 9 All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth. 10 On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur. 11 And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred. 12 And those which pitch by him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 13 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred. 14 Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel. 15 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty. 16 All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank. 17 Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards. 18 On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud. 19 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty thousand and five hundred. 20 And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 21 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred. 22 Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni. 23 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred. 24 All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank. 25 The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 26 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred. 27 And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran. 28 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and one thousand and five hundred. 29 Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan. 30 And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred. 31 All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards. 32 These are those which were numbered of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers: all those that were numbered of the camps throughout their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty. 33 But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses. 34 And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.
We have here the particular distribution of the twelve tribes into four squadrons, three tribes in a squadron, one of which was to lead the other two. Observe, 1. God himself appointed them their place, to prevent strife and envy among them. Had they been left to determine precedency among themselves, they would have been in danger of quarrelling with one another (as the disciples who strove which should be greatest); each would have had a pretence to be first, or at least not to be last. Had it been left to Moses to determine, they would have quarrelled with him, and charged him with partiality; therefore God does it, who is himself the fountain and judge of honour, and in his appointment all must acquiesce. If God in his providence advance others above us, and abase us, we ought to be as well satisfied in his doing it in that way as if he did it, as this was done here, by a voice out of the tabernacle; and this consideration, that it appears to be the will of God it should be so, should effectually silence all envies and discontents. And as far as our place comes to be our choice our Saviour has given us a rule in Luke xiv. 8, Sit not down in the highest room; and another in Matt. xx. 27, He that will be chief, let him be your servant. Those that are most humble and most serviceable are really most honourable. 2. Every tribe had a captain, a prince, or commander-in-chief, whom God himself nominated, the same that had been appointed to number them, ch. i. 5. Our being all the children of one Adam is so far from justifying the levellers, and taking away the distinction of place and honour, that even among the children of the same Abraham, the same Jacob, the same Judah, God himself appointed that one should be captain of all the rest. There are powers ordained of God, and those to whom honour and fear are due and must be paid. Some observe the significancy of the names of these princes, at least, in general, how much God was in the thoughts of those that gave them their names, for most of them have El, God, at one end or other of their names. Nethaneel, the gift of God; Eliab, my God a Father; Elizur, my God a rock; Shelumiel, God my peace; Eliasaph, God has added; Elishama, my God has heard: Gamaliel, God my reward; Pagiel, God has met me. By this it appears that the Israelites in Egypt did not quite forget the name of their God, but, when they wanted other memorials, preserved the remembrance of it in the names of their children, and therewith comforted themselves in their affliction. 3. Those tribes were placed together under the same standard that were nearest of kin to each other; Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, were the three younger sons of Leah, and they were put together; and Issachar and Zebulun would not grudge to be under Judah, since they were his younger brethren. Reuben and Simeon would not have been content in their place. Therefore Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son, is made chief of the next squadron; Simeon, no doubt, is willing to be under him, and Gad, the son of Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid, is fitly added to them in Levi’s room: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, are all the posterity of Rachel. Dan, the eldest son of Bilhah, is made a leading tribe, though the son of a concubine, that more abundant honour might be bestowed on that which lacked; and it was said, Dan should judge his people, and to him were added two younger sons of the handmaids. Thus unexceptionable was the order in which they were placed. 4. The tribe of Judah was in the first post of honour, encamped towards the rising sun, and in their marches led the van, not only because it was the most numerous tribe, but chiefly because from that tribe Christ was to come, who is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and was to descend from the loins of him who was now nominated chief captain of that tribe. Nahshon is reckoned among the ancestors of Christ, Matt. i. 4. So that, when he went before them, Christ himself went before them in effect, as their leader. Judah was the first of the twelve sons of Jacob that was blessed. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, were censured by their dying father; he therefore being first in blessing, though not in birth, is put first, to teach children how to value the smiles of their godly parents and dread their frowns. 5. The tribes of Levi pitched closely about the tabernacle, within the rest of their tribes, v. 17. They must defend the sanctuary, and then the rest of the tribes must defend them. Thus, in the vision which John saw of the glory of heaven, between the elders and the throne were four living creatures full of eyes,Rev 4:6; Rev 4:8. Civil powers should protect the religious interests of a nation, and be a defence upon that glory. 6. The camp of Dan (and so that tribe is called long after their settlement in Canaan (Judg. xiii. 25), because celebrated for their military prowess), though posted in the left wing when they encamped, was ordered in their march to bring up the rear, v. 31. They were the most numerous, next to Judah, and therefore were ordered into a post which, next to the front, required the most strength, for as the strength is so shall the day be. Lastly, The children of Israel observed the orders given them, and did as the Lord commanded Moses, v. 34. They put themselves in the posts assigned them, without murmuring or disputing, and, as it was their safety, so it was their beauty; Balaam was charmed with the sight of it: How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! ch. xxiv. 5. Thus the gospel church, called the camp of saints, ought to be compact according to the scripture model, every one knowing and keeping his place, and then all that wish well to the church rejoice, beholding their order, Col. ii. 5.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
3. On the east Or, in front of the door of the tabernacle. Nearest to the tents of Moses and Aaron and the priests, and situated toward the sunrise, was Judah’s standard, planted with the first grand army corps of 186,600 soldiers, to constitute the van of the ponderous column. Issachar and Zebulun and Judah are all sons of Leah, hence there is the strongest motive for harmony. By birthright, Reuben’s was the right of precedence, or the hegemony, as the Greeks called it; but he had forfeited it by a very flagrant crime against the peace and order of his father Jacob’s house, and especially insulting to him. See Gen 35:22; and Gen 49:4. His sin dis-crowned him, as sin will dis-crown every impenitent soul. Nahshon, the phylarch or captain of the tribe, with the captains of the other tribes, were those whom Jehovah chose to assist Moses and Aaron in the census.
Num 1:5. It is probable that Nahshon outranked not only the two captains of his division, but all the others also, being next to Moses and his vicegerent Joshua. These are doubtless the same men who were assembled by Moses and Aaron in Exo 4:29, as “all the elders.”
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Doth not the warlike state of Israel, in this appointment, represent the warlike condition of all true soldiers of Jesus! Hence the church is represented as terrible as an army with banners. Song 1-8. I think it more than probable, that the usage among warriors in the subsequent ages of the world, of having standards with devices put upon them, took its rise from this circumstance of the divine appointment. But alas! how hath it degenerated! Let my banner be the lion of the tribe of Judah, and Jehovah nissi for the motto. Rev 5:5 ; Exo 17:15 . I would have the Reader remark with me, that in precedency Judah takes the lead. If we would know wherefore, see Heb 7:14 . See another instance, Jdg 20:18 . It is truly interesting to behold how in all things Jesus is typified as having the pre-eminence. Col 1:18 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Num 2:3 And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.
Ver. 3. And on the east side. ] Judah encamped foremost. It was fit the lion should lead the way. Better an army of harts, with a lion to lead them on, &c. This order in their march showed the principality that should continue in this tribe till Shiloh came. Judah herein also was a type of Christ, who is “the Captain of the Lord’s host,” Jos 5:14 and “of our salvation,” Heb 2:10 and goeth before his heavenly armies. Rev 12:7
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
east. The order proceeds according to the course of the sun: east, south, west, north. camp. Each camp composed of three tribes. Compare verses: Num 2:3, Num 2:10, Num 2:17, Num 3:18, Num 3:25, Num 3:32.
Judah. The sign, a lion (Gen 49:9. Eze 1:10. Rev 4:7). The standard, the colors of the three stones of the second row, Exo 28:1-8, For the order, see App-45.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
the standard: Gen 49:8-10, Jdg 1:1, Jdg 1:2, 1Ch 5:2
Nahshon: Num 1:7, Num 7:12, Num 7:17, Num 10:14-16, Num 26:19-22, Rth 4:20, 1Ch 2:10, Mat 1:4, Luk 3:32, Luk 3:33, Naasson
Reciprocal: Gen 35:22 – Now the sons Exo 6:23 – Amminadab Num 1:4 – General Num 1:16 – the renowned Num 1:26 – General Num 1:27 – General Num 2:2 – shall pitch Num 3:38 – toward Num 10:5 – camps Num 17:2 – all their princes Num 26:22 – General Eze 1:10 – the face of a lion
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Num 2:3. 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.