The Marshalling of the People
W. Jones. Numbers 2:1-2 And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,… I. ORDER. 1. God Himself delights in order. 2. The importance of order is recognised in human affairs. 3. This order was probably divinely institated as a means to peace and unity. II. VARIETY. Each camp had its own characteristic standard. And each tribe and each father's house had its own distinctive ensign. Monotony is not a mark of divinity. Variety characterises the works of God, Countries differ in their climates, conformations, productions, &c. The features of landscapes differ. Trees, flowers, faces, minds differ. With one spirit there may be many forms. III. UNITY. All the tribes were gathered "about the tabernacle of the congregation," as around a common centre. They had different standards, but constituted one nation. 1. The dependence of all on God. All the tribes looked to Him for support, provision, protection, direction, &c. 2. The access of all to God. The tabernacle was the sign of the presence of God with them. 3. The reverence of all towards God. They were to pitch "over against the tabernacle." Probably the tribes were two thousand cubits from it. Cf. Joshua 3:4. They were thus to encamp around the sacred place, that no stranger might draw near to it; and the Levites were to encamp near the tabernacle on every side, that the people themselves might not draw too near to it, but might be taught to regard it with respect and reverence. IV. SECURITY. The tabernacle of God in the midst of the camp was a guarantee of their safety. His presence in their midst would tend to — 1. Quell their fears. He had wrought marvellous things on their behalf in the past: He was ever doing great things for them. Then why should they quail before any danger or enemy? 2. Inspire their confidence and courage. It should have given to them the assurance of victory in conflict, &c. (Numbers 10:35, 36). Distance from God is weakness and peril to His Church.Nearness to Him is safety and power. Living in vital union with Him all-conquering might is ours. Conclusion — 1. Learn sincerely and heartily to recognise as members of the Christian Israel all who have the Christian spirit, however widely they may differ from us in forms and opinions. 2. Think less of our isms and more of Christ's Church; less of theological and ecclesiastical systems, and more of Christ's gospel; less of human authority and patronage, and more of the Lord Jesus Christ. (W. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, WEB: Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,