Numbers 2: How the army of Israel surrounds the Tabernacle and prepares for war

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God asks His army to move in a particular order. The order that they are to march, the names of the tribes and the men leading these tribes from place to place all have a particular meaning. We will learn how the 12 tribes are surrounding their Commander-in-Chief, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

We are no looking at men but at the army. The meaning of the names are more important than the men themselves. These names are not coincidental. This is a picture of the future that shows us how God’s army is to function. God’s army is bigger than we might imagine. 

God put a pattern in here so we can understand. Apostle Paul told us to “put on the whole armor of God” and to prepare ourselves for a battle with the spiritual world (Eph. 6:10–17). 

First we notice the tribes that gather on the East side, where the rising sun comes. We went through the lists of the 12 tribes leaders names in Numbers 1. There they were listed in the birth order (roughly, except that Ephraim and Manasseh represent their father Joseph) of their forefathers. 

This time the list is in a slightly different order, based on their orientation within the camp, rather then by the birth-order of the progenitor of the tribe. Each tribe has a list of three names: Patriarch, son, father. The order of these names and the meaning of these names tells us much about God’s army, its function. We can see how God is building His army and what it is for. 

God’s entire plan of attack has already been written here. Books like Daniel, Revelation and other prophetic writings can give additional insights into Jacob’s trouble, the Day of the Lord, etc.

Orientation of the tribes around the tabernacle

East (towards the rising sun)

Judah (The name means Hands spread out to glorify God.):  Nahshon (an enchanter, one learns from experience and observation; for a range of meanings, see Gen. 30:27; 1Kings 20:33, Gen. 44:15) the son of Amminadab (My kinsmen are willing)

Issachar (Here is recompense, something has to be paid):  Nethanel (the one who is set by God) the son of Zuar (little, insignificance, unimportant)

Zebulon (Exalted one): Eliab (God is his father) the son of Helon (strong)

South

Reuben (Behold a son, a builder): Elizur (God is a rock), son of Shedur (fire)

Simeon (God heard): Shelumiel (to be sound, complete), the son of Zurishaddai (my right is the Almighty)

Gad (an army): Eliasaph (God has gathered together) the son of Deuel (they know God)

Middle of the camp

Levi (cleave to): They are not a part of the army but leave in the midst of the army

West (towards the sea)

Ephraim (doubled), Elishama (God heard) the son of Ammihud (my family is majestic, splendid)

Manasseh (Calling to forget your past), Gamaliel (Payment from God, to repay) the son of Pedahzur (the rock is the ransom, redemption price)

Benjamin (son of my right hand): Abidan (my father is the judge) the son of Gideoni (one who hews out a path, cuts in stone or wood)

North

Dan (judge): Ahiezer (my brother will help) the son of Ammishaddai (my kingdom is from the Almighty)

Asher (one who goes straight): Pagiel (the event of God) the son of Ochran (trouble, disturbed)

Napthali (I am wrestling): Ahira (my brother is in pain, upset, unhappy) the son of Enan (having eyes to see)

Reader: Jeff. Speaker: Richard Agee. Summary: Tammy.