The More You Look, The More You See

Numbers 2

In light of the fact that all the OT scriptures point to Jesus, what might we learn from the arrangement of the tribes of Israel in camp? I believe the more we look, the more we will see.

First, “The divisions of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun are to camp toward the sunrise on the east side of the Tabernacle, beneath their family banners."

Interestingly enough, we have some insight into the meaning of these names:

• Judah (#4 son): "Now I will praise the LORD." [Genesis 29.35]
• Issachar (#9 son): “God has rewarded me for giving my servant to my husband as a wife.” [Genesis 30.18]
• Zebulun (#10 son): “God has given me a good reward. Now my husband will treat me with respect, for I have given him six sons.” [Genesis 30.20]

Next, “The divisions of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad are to camp on the south side of the Tabernacle, beneath their family banners."

• Reuben (#1 son): “The LORD has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me.” [Genesis 29.32]
• Simeon (#2 son): “The LORD heard that I was unloved and has given me another son.” [Genesis 29.33]
• Gad (#7 son): “How fortunate I am!” [Genesis 30.11]

And then, “Then the Tabernacle, carried by the Levites, will set out from the middle of the camp."

• Levi (#3 son)“Surely this time my husband will feel affection for me, since I have given him three sons!” [Genesis 29.34]

Following that, “The divisions of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin are to camp on the west side of the Tabernacle, beneath their family banners."

• Ephraim (son of #11 son): “God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief.” [Genesis 41.52]
• Manasseh (son of #11 son): “God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family.” [Genesis 41.51]
• Benjamin (#12 son): The baby’s father, however, called him Benjamin (which means “son of my right hand”). [Genesis 35.18]

Lastly, “The divisions of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali are to camp on the north side of the Tabernacle, beneath their family banners." 

• Dan (#5 son): “God has vindicated me! He has heard my request and given me a son.” [Genesis 30.6]
• Asher (#8 son): “What joy is mine! Now the other women will celebrate with me.” [Genesis 30.13]
• Naphtali (#6 son): “I have struggled hard with my sister, and I’m winning!” [Genesis 30.8]

What does this all mean? I can't say that I know except that I know it means something about Jesus and therefore about us, His body - the Church.

I think just as the Levites were "central" in the camp. our focus should remain centered upon the ministry of reconciliation. If our devotion to God is centered anywhere else, we are out of line with God's Word. Everything else should "surround" the ministry of reconciliation and necessarily serve it.

Every teaching and every movement of the Church should remain firmly fixed upon our mission: forgiveness of sins. Remember how Luke recorded Jesus' mission statement:

It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ [Luke 24.47]

I sincerely believe there is much more to be learned from the arrangement of the tribes according to the respective meanings of their names. I believe there is order to be found by which we might pattern our lives. I believe, again, the center however is indeed the ministry of reconciliation - the forgiveness of sins.

Father, help us to comprehend more from Your Word as we look further into it!