Numbers 2

Numbers 2:1

2:1, 2 The tribes of Israel were commanded to pitch their tents in the area around the tabernacle (see diagram), three tribes on each side. 2:3-16 On the east side, under the flag of Judah, were Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun (vv. 3-9). Each tribe had its own military leader. These tribes totaled one hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred. On the south side, under the flag of Reuben, were Reuben, Simeon, and Gad (vv. 10-16). The camp of Reuben totaled one hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty. 2:17-31 On the west side, under the flag of Ephraim, were Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin (vv. 18-24). This camp numbered one hundred and eight thousand one hundred. On the north side, under the flag of Dan, were Dan, Asher, and Naphtali (vv. 25-31). These totaled one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred. The tribes were to march in the order giventhe camp of Judah first, etc. The Levites marched after Gad and before Ephraim (v. 17). 2:32-34 The total number of men of war was six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty (v. 32). The total manpower, including the Levites (Num_3:39), was 625,550. Assuming the men to be a third of the nation, then the total population must have been at least 1,876,650. The number of warriors is a better index of the strength of a church than the number of pewsitters!