Numbers 1:1-4:20
Reading #3 - Numbers 2:1–34
My Thoughts:
Today we learn about the tribes camping around the Tabernacle. Interesting to me is that Judah is placed on the east side of the Tabernacle. In Jerusalem the Temple would face east. And in prophecy, the Mashiach will come back from the east. There is something very special about the “east”. Also in prophecy the river from the throne will flow to the east (see Ezekiel and Revelations). I encourage you to do a special study about this.
Challenge:
Moses listened to Hashem and directed the tribes. In the last verse (34) of this reading we will learn that the people of Israel obeyed Moses and camped right where he told them. Again we are being taught about leadership and authority. Hashem has taught throughout Scriptures about following and respecting authority. In the past few weeks I have challenged you to review your relationship with the authority in your life, and correct things if they are not right. Are you respecting him/her? Are you obedient (unless they are asking you to sin)? Today’s challenge is to do something NICE for the person in authority. It is so much responsibility to be in charge and make things run correctly. So, get a gift or do a special extra task for your boss or spouse, rabbi or pastor. Go out of your way to give it to them and tell them how much you appreciate them. It will be so special and you will be blessed in return.
Reading #3 - Numbers 2:1–34
2:1 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “The children of Israel shall encamp every man by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall encamp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it.”
3 Those who encamp on the east side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah, according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Judah shall be Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 4 His division, and those who were counted of them, were seventy-four thousand six hundred.
5 Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar. The prince of the children of Issachar shall be Nethanel the son of Zuar. 6 His division, and those who were counted of it, were fifty-four thousand four hundred.
7 The tribe of Zebulun: the prince of the children of Zebulun shall be Eliab the son of Helon. 8 His division, and those who were counted of it, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.
9 All who were counted of the camp of Judah were one hundred eighty-six thousand four hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out first.
10 “On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur. 11 His division, and those who were counted of it, were forty-six thousand five hundred.
