The Marshalling of Israel, and its Lessons
Henry, Matthew Numbers 2:1-2 And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,… I. They ALL DWELT IN TENTS; and when they marched carried all their tents along with them (Psalm 107:4). This represents to us our state in this world. 1. It is a movable state; here to-day and gone to-morrow. 2. It is a military state; is not our life a warfare? II. Those of a tribe were to pitch together, EVERY MAN BY HIS OWN STANDARD. It is the will of God that mutual love and affection, conerse and communion, should be kept up among relations. Those that are of kin to each other should, as much as they can, be acquainted with each other, and the bonds of nature should be improved for the strengthening of the bends of Christian communion. III. Every one must KNOW HIS PLACE, and keep in it. They were not allowed to fix where they pleased, nor to remove when they pleased; but God quarters them, with a charge to abide in their quarters. It is God that appoints us the bounds of our habitation, and to Him we must refer ourselves (Psalm 47:4); and in His choice we must acquiesce, and not love to flit, nor be as the bird that wanders from her nest. IV. Every tribe had its standard, flag, or ensign, and it should seem every family had some particular ENSIGN OF THEIR FATHER'S HOUSE, which were carried, as with us the colours of each company in a regiment are. These were of use for the distinction of tribes and families, and the gathering and keeping of them together; in allusion to which the preaching of the gospel is said to lift up an ensign, to which the Gentiles shall seek, and by which they shall pitch (Isaiah 11:10, 12). God is the God of order, and not of confusion. These standards made this mighty army seem more beautiful to its friends, and more formidable to its enemies. The Church of Christ is said to be as terrible as an army with banners (Song of Solomon 6:10). V. They were to pitch ABOUT THE TABERNACLE, which was to be in the midst of them, as the tent or pavilion of a general in the centre of an army. They must encamp round the tabernacle — 1. That it might be equally a comfort and joy to them all, as it was a token of God's gracious presence with them (Psalm 46:5). The tabernacle was in the midst of the camp, that it might be near to them; for it is a very desirable thing to have the solemn administration of holy ordinances near us, and within our reach. The kingdom of God is among you. 2. That they might be a guard and defence upon the tabernacle and the Levites on every side. No invader could come near God's tabernacle, but he must first penetrate the thickest of their squadrons. If God undertake the protection of our comforts, we ought in our places to undertake the protection of His institutions, and stand up in defence of His honour, and interest, and ministers. VI. Yet they were to pitch AFAR OFF, in reverence to the sanctuary, that it might not seem crowded and thrust up among them; and that the common business of the camp might be no annoyance to it. They were also taught to keep their distance, lest too much familiarity should breed contempt. But we are not ordered, as they were, to pitch afar off; no, we are invited to draw near, and come boldly. The saints of the Most High are said to be round about Him (Psalm 76:12). God by His grace keeps us close to Him. ( Matthew Henry, D. D..) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, WEB: Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,