Numbers 2
IN CHAPTER 1 we had the numbering of the tribes of Israel by Moses and Aaron, types of Christ as King and Priest in one blessed Person. He knows all them that are His (2 Tim. 2:1919Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19)), and all His servants are under His watchful eye. It is He who rules, who intercedes for and sustains us in all our walk, our warfare and our service. How good to be under such an eye as His!
Then in chapter 2 we have the arrangement of the tribes around the tabernacle—the Lord Himself in the midst, His presence the central rallying point for all His own. Each tribe had an individual place and interest before Him, and this tells us that each of us now who are His are owned of Him and has his appointed place in His service. Some of us feel so unworthy and what poor things we are at best, yet what a sweet encouragement to know that He has a place in His service for each one of His own.
In the ordering of the camp, where the people are on the march to Canaan and have to face the perils of the wilderness, the first great essential was subjection to the Lord, their Leader. Israel was a great host, and every soldier must learn to keep rank. Our future is in the hands of the Captain of our salvation, His Dry is involved in the fulfillment the promises He has made, but we must be obedient. We are “kept by the power of God unto salvation,” yet we are also told to “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
“Every man shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father’s house.” The whole camp of Israel was made up of four smaller camps, three tribes in each. Everything was ordered of God, and each tribe must pitch its tents in the place appointed for them. The camp of Judah, together with Issachar and Zebulun, pitched their tents on the east, toward the sun rising. On the south was the standard of the camp of Reuben, with Simeon and Gad. On the west was the camp of Ephraim, with Manasseh and Benjamin, and on the north the camp of Dan, with Asher and Naphthali.
Moses, Aaron and the priests were nearest to the door of the tabernacle, and the Levites were all around the other three sides. Nearness to the Lord is suggested in the place the tribe of Levi had, and so they had the best part of all. We as believers have a more wonderful place and privilege for we are nearer to the Lord than Israel ever were or shall be. Israel journeying through the wilderness is but a picture of the Church passing through this world with Christ in our midst, on our way to our heavenly home.
No man of greater love can boast
Than for his friend to die;
Thou for Thine enemies wast slain!
What love with Thine can vie?
ML-02/18/1973