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英語原文
The thousands of Israel, having been mustered in the former chapter, in this are marshalled, and a regular disposition is made of their camp, by a divine appointment. Here is, I. A general order concerning it, Nu 2:1,2. II. Particular directions for the posting of each of the tribes, in four distinct squadrons, three tribes in each squadron. 1. In the van-guard on the east were posted Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, Nu 2:3-9. 2. In the right wing, southward, Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, Nu 2:10-16. 3. In the rear, westward, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, Nu 2:18-24. 4. In the left wing, northward, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, Nu 2:25-31. 5. The tabernacle in the centre, Nu 2:17. III. The conclusion of this appointment, Nu 2:32, etc.
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The Stations of the Several Tribes (1490 BC)
各支派的营阵（公元前1490年）
¹ 耶和华晓谕摩西和亚伦说： ² "以色列人各人要在自己的旗号之下，按着本父家的徽号安营，在会幕的四围，远远地安营。"
这里我们看到一项通则的任命，既关乎他们安营时的井然有序，也关乎起行时的井然有序。他们此前可能已有某种秩序；他们出埃及时原是"带着兵器"列队而行（出 13:18），如今却被纳入更完善的编制。1. 他们都住在帐棚里，行军时要把所有的帐棚都随身携带，因为"他们找不到可住的城邑"（诗 107:4）。这向我们表征我们在此世的光景。这是一种流动的状态（我们今日在此，明日已逝）；这也是一种争战的状态：我们的生命岂不是一场争战吗？我们不过在这世界中支搭帐棚，在其中并没有常存的城。所以，让我们在这世界中支搭帐棚之时，也奋力穿过它。2. 同一支派的人要聚在一起安营，"各人要在自己的旗号之下"。当记取：彼此相爱的亲情、相交与相通得以维系，原是神的旨意。凡有亲属关系的，当尽力彼此结识；当以血亲之纽带来坚固基督徒相通之纽带。3. 人人必须知道自己的位置并持守其位；他们不得随意择地而居，也不得随意迁移，而是神为他们分派营舍，并责令他们安居于所分派的营舍。当记取：是神"划定我们居住的疆界"，我们必须将自己交托于祂。"祂必为我们选择产业"（诗 47:4），我们当在祂的选择中安然顺服，不可好为迁徙，也不可"如雀鸟离巢一般"游荡。4. 每个支派都有自己的大旗、旗帜或徽号，看来每个父家也各有本家某种独特的徽号，扛着前行，一如我们每团中各连各队的旗帜。这些为区别支派与家室之用，也为招聚他们、维系他们聚集之用；福音的传讲因此被说成是"竖立大旗，列国必寻求"，并要在其周围安营（赛 11:10,12）。当记取：神是秩序之神，并非混乱之神。这些旗号使这支大军在友邦眼中更显壮美，在仇敌眼中更显威严。基督的教会被称为"展开旌旗的大军"（歌 6:10）。这些旗号究竟如何区分，尚无定论：有人推测每支派的旗号颜色，与大祭司以弗得上所镶嵌、刻着该支派名字的宝石相同，差别不过如此。许多近代犹太人认为，每面旗号上都绘有某种纹章，与雅各对该支派的祝福相关。犹大扛着狮子，但扛着蛇，拿弗他利扛着鹿，便雅悯扛着狼等。又有人说四面主要的旗号分别是：犹大为狮、流便为人、约瑟为牛、但为鹰，使以西结异象中的形像与之呼应。还有人说，每面旗号上都写着该支派的名字。无论为何，无疑都给出了明确的指引。5. 他们要在会幕四围安营，会幕要在他们中间，如同将军的帐幕居于全军中央。他们要在会幕四围安营，(1.) 使它同等地成为众人的安慰与喜乐，因为它是神与他们同在之恩的记号。诗 46:5："神在城中，城必不动摇。"他们既以神为心中之主，营中自当喜乐洋溢。他们营的四围每日有天上来的粮食，营的中央有天上来的火以及神恩的其他记号，这已足够回答那个问题："耶和华在我们中间不在？以色列啊，你是有福的！"很可能他们所有帐棚的门都朝向会幕，从四面八方都是如此，因为每个以色列人都当常常仰望耶和华，因此他们在帐棚门口敬拜。会幕在营的中央，为的是就近他们；因为能在身旁、在可达之处领受圣礼的庄严施行，是极其可慕的。"神的国就在你们中间。" (2.) 使他们能从四面护卫会幕和利未人。任何入侵者若要靠近神的会幕，必先穿透他们最密集的阵线。当记取：神若承担了我们安慰的护卫，我们理当在我们的位置上承担祂典制的护卫，挺身捍卫祂的尊荣、利益与仆人。6. 然而他们要远远地安营，以示对圣所的敬畏，免得它似乎被挤在他们中间，也免得营中的日常事务成为它的搅扰。他们也受教要持守距离，免得过分的熟稔生出轻慢。据推想（书 3:4），营地最近的部分与会幕之间（或说他们与紧靠会幕安营的利未营之间）的距离约为2,000肘，即约1,000码，比我们这里的一哩略多一点；而营的外围必然更远。有人估算，他们营地的范围至少有十二平方哩；因为它如同一座流动的城邑，有街有巷，吗哪也许既落在营外，也落在这些街巷之中，使他们足不出户即可得着。在基督教会中，我们读到有一个宝座（如会幕中有施恩座），被称为"从起初就荣耀的高台"（耶 17:12），那宝座被属灵的以色列人围绕着——二十四位长老，比支派数目多一倍，"身穿白衣"（启 4:4），他们之上飘扬的旗是"爱"；但我们并不像他们那样奉命远远地安营，不，我们蒙召要亲近，坦然前来。至高者的圣徒被称为"环绕祂"（诗 76:11）。愿神以恩典保守我们紧贴祂！
³ 在东边，向日出之方，照着犹大营的旗号安营的，有属他们军兵的；亚米拿达的儿子拿顺必作犹大人的首领。 ⁴ 他军队被数的，共有七万四千六百名。 ⁵ 挨着他安营的，是以萨迦支派；有苏押的儿子拿坦业作以萨迦人的首领。 ⁶ 他军队被数的，共有五万四千四百名。 ⁷ 又有西布伦支派；希伦的儿子以利押作西布伦人的首领。 ⁸ 他军队被数的，共有五万七千四百名。 ⁹ 凡犹大营被数的，共有十八万六千四百名，按着他们的军兵。这些要作第一队往前行。 ¹⁰ 在南边，按着他们的军兵，有流便营的旗号；示丢珥的儿子以利蓿作流便人的首领。 ¹¹ 他军队被数的，共有四万六千五百名。 ¹² 挨着他安营的，是西缅支派；苏利沙代的儿子示路蔑作西缅人的首领。 ¹³ 他军队被数的，共有五万九千三百名。 ¹⁴ 又有迦得支派；丢珥的儿子以利雅萨作迦得人的首领。 ¹⁵ 他军队被数的，共有四万五千六百五十名。 ¹⁶ 凡流便营被数的，共有十五万一千四百五十名，按着他们的军兵。他们要作第二队往前行。 ¹⁷ 随后，会幕与利未人的营要在诸营中行；他们怎样安营，就怎样往前行，各按本位，守着自己的旗号。 ¹⁸ 在西边，按着他们的军兵，有以法莲营的旗号；亚米忽的儿子以利沙玛作以法莲人的首领。 ¹⁹ 他军队被数的，共有四万零五百名。 ²⁰ 挨着他的是玛拿西支派；比大蓿的儿子迦玛列作玛拿西人的首领。 ²¹ 他军队被数的，共有三万二千二百名。 ²² 又有便雅悯支派；基多尼的儿子亚比但作便雅悯人的首领。 ²³ 他军队被数的，共有三万五千四百名。 ²⁴ 凡以法莲营被数的，共有十万零八千一百名，按着他们的军兵。他们要作第三队往前行。 ²⁵ 在北边，按着他们的军兵，有但营的旗号；亚米沙代的儿子亚希以谢作但人的首领。 ²⁶ 他军队被数的，共有六万二千七百名。 ²⁷ 挨着他安营的，是亚设支派；俄兰的儿子帕结作亚设人的首领。 ²⁸ 他军队被数的，共有四万一千五百名。 ²⁹ 又有拿弗他利支派；以难的儿子亚希拉作拿弗他利人的首领。 ³⁰ 他军队被数的，共有五万三千四百名。 ³¹ 凡但营被数的，共有十五万七千六百名。他们要随着自己的旗号作末队往前行。 ³² 这些是以色列人按着父家被数的；诸营按着军兵被数的，共有六十万零三千五百五十名。 ³³ 惟独利未人没有数在以色列人中，正如耶和华所吩咐摩西的。 ³⁴ 以色列人就这样行，凡耶和华所吩咐摩西的，他们就照样行了；他们按着旗号安营，也按着旗号往前行，各人随本宗族、按着父家。
这里我们看到十二支派被具体编为四个方阵，每方阵三支派，其中一支派统领其余两支。请注意：1. 是神亲自为他们指定了位置，为要防止他们之间的争竞与嫉妒。倘若由他们自行决定先后，他们就有彼此相争的危险（正如门徒争论"谁为大"）；人人都有借口居先，至少不甘居末。倘若交由摩西决定，他们又会与他争闹，指责他偏心；因此神亲自来定，祂自己才是尊荣之源与审判者，众人必在祂的指定中安然顺服。神若在祂的护理中使别人高过我们、使我们卑微，我们当像祂在此处借着会幕中的声音行事那样，同样地心满意足；而"这显然是神的旨意"这一考量，当有效地平息一切嫉妒与不满。至于我们的位置何在成为我们的选择时，救主已给了我们一条准则（路 14:8）："不要坐在首位上"；又一条（太 20:27）："谁愿为首，就必作你们的仆人。" 最谦卑、最服事他人的人，才是真正最尊贵的。2. 每支派都有一位首领、族长或主帅，皆由神亲自指名，与那位受命数点他们的相同（民 1:5）。我们都是同一个亚当的后裔，这并不足以支持那些主张平均的人，也并不因此取消地位与尊荣的分别；即便在同一位亚伯拉罕、同一位雅各、同一位犹大的众子之中，神也亲自指定一人作众人的首领。世上有"神所立的权柄"，凡当得尊荣与敬畏的人，必须得着尊荣与敬畏。有人注意到这些首领名字的含义，至少从总体上看，赐名之人在思想中何等地念及神，因为其中大多数的名字一端或另一端都有"El"（神）。*Nethaneel——神的恩赐；Eliab——我神为父；Elizur——我神是磐石；Shelumiel——神是我的平安；Eliasaph——神已加添；Elishama——我神已垂听；Gamaliel——神是我的赏赐；Pagiel——神已临到我。*由此可见，以色列人在埃及并未完全忘记他们神的名；当他们缺乏别的纪念时，就借儿女的名字保存对祂的记忆，并在苦难中以此自慰。3. 凡血缘最近的支派被编在同一旗号之下；犹大、以萨迦、西布伦都是利亚较年幼的三个儿子，他们被编在一起；以萨迦和西布伦既为犹大的弟弟，自然不会不甘居犹大之下。流便和西缅却不会安于自己的位置。因此流便——雅各的长子——被立为下一个方阵的首领；西缅无疑甘愿在他之下，而悉帕——利亚使女——的儿子迦得，恰可代替利未补在其中。以法莲、玛拿西、便雅悯都是拉结的后裔。拉结使女辟拉的长子但，虽为妾所生，却被立为领头的支派，为使那本来不足的"格外得着尊荣"；且有话说"但必判断他的民"，于是把两位使女的幼子都归在他麾下。如此，他们的编排无懈可击。4. 犹大支派居首位之尊，面向日出之地安营，行军时为前锋，不仅因为它人数最多，更主要的是因为基督要从那支派而出——祂是"犹大支派中的狮子"，且要从如今被立为该支派主帅的那人腰中出来。拿顺被列在基督的祖先之中（太 1:4）。所以，当他走在他们前头时，实际上是基督亲自在他们前头作他们的元帅。犹大是雅各十二子中首先蒙福的。流便、西缅、利未都被临终的父亲所责备；所以犹大虽在出生上不在先，却在祝福上居先，被列为首位，为要教导儿女当如何看重敬虔父母的首肯、畏惧他们的不悦。5. 利未支派紧贴会幕安营，在其余各支派之内（民 2:17）。他们要护卫圣所，然后其余各支派再护卫他们。如此，在约翰所见的天上荣耀的异象中，在长老与宝座之间有四个"满有眼睛的活物"（启 4:6,8）。世俗的权力当护卫一国的宗教利益，作那荣耀的屏障。6. 但的营（后来他们在迦南定居后仍这样称呼那支派，士 13:25，因它以武功著称），虽在安营时位于左翼，却在行军时奉命殿后（民 2:31）。他们人数仅次于犹大，故被安排在仅次于前锋、最需要力量的位置，因为力量如何，那日也如何。末了，以色列人遵行所受的命令，"耶和华怎样吩咐摩西，他们就照样行了"（民 2:34）。他们毫无怨言、毫无争辩地进入所派定的位置，这既是他们的安全，也是他们的华美；巴兰一看见就赞叹不已："雅各啊，你的帐棚何等华美！"（民 24:5）。照样，那被称为"圣徒的营"的福音教会，也当照着圣经的样式紧密结合，各人知道并持守自己的位置；于是凡愿教会福祉的人，都因"看见他们的规矩"（西 2:5）而喜乐。
英語原文
The Stations of the Several Tribes (1490 BC)
¹ And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
² Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.
Here is the general appointment given both for their orderly encampment where they rested and their orderly march when they moved. Some order, it is possible, they had observed hitherto; they came out of Egypt in rank and file (Ex 13:18), but now they were put into a better model. 1. They all dwelt in tents, and when they marched carried all their tents along with them, for they found no city to dwell in, Ps 107:4. This represents to us our state in this world. It is a movable state (we are here to-day and gone to-morrow); and it is a military state: is not our life a warfare? We do but pitch our tents in this world, and have in it no continuing city. Let us, therefore, while we are pitching in this world, be pressing through it. 2. Those of a tribe were to pitch together, every man by his own standard. Note, It is the will of God that mutual love and affection, converse 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 bonds of Christian communion. 3. 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. Note, It is God that appoints us the bounds of our habitation, and to him we must refer ourselves. He shall choose our inheritance for us (Ps 47:4), and in his choice we must acquiesce, and not love to flit, nor be as the bird that wanders from her nest. 4. Every tribe had its standard, flag, or ensign, and it should seem every family had some particular ensign of their father's house, which was carried as with us the colours of each troop or 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, Isa 11:10,12. Note, 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, So 6:10. It is uncertain how these standards were distinguished: some conjecture that the standard of each tribe was of the same colour with the precious stone in which the name of that tribe was written in the high priest's ephod, and that this was all the difference. Many of the modern Jews think there was some coat of arms painted in each standard, which had reference to the blessing of that tribe by Jacob. Judah bore a lion, Dan a serpent, Naphtali a hind, Benjamin a wolf, etc. Some of them say the four principal standards were, Judah a lion, Reuben a man, Joseph an ox, and Dan an eagle, making the appearances in Ezekiel's vision to allude it. Others say the name of each tribe was written in its standard. Whatever it was, no doubt it gave a certain direction. 5. They were to pitch about the tabernacle, which was to be in the midst of them, as the tent of 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. Ps 46:5, God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved. Their camp had reason to be hearty, when thus they had God in the heart of them. To have bread from heaven every day round about their camp, and fire from heaven, with other tokens of God's favour, in the midst of their camp, was abundantly sufficient to answer that question, Is the Lord among us, or is he not? Happy art thou, O Israel! It is probable that the doors of all their tents were made to look towards the tabernacle from all sides, for every Israelite should have his eyes always towards the Lord; therefore they worshipped at the tent-door. 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 administrations 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 without first penetrating the thickest of their squadrons. Note, 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. 6. 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. It is supposed (from Jos 3:4) that the distance between the nearest part of the camp and the tabernacle (or perhaps between them and the camp of the Levites, who pitched near the tabernacle) was 2000 cubits, that is, 1000 yards, little more than half a measured mile with us; but the outer parts of the camp must needs be much further off. Some compute that the extent of their camp could be no less than twelve miles square; for it was like a movable city, with streets and lanes, in which perhaps the manna fell, as well as on the outside of the camp, that they might have it at their doors. In the Christian church we read of a throne (as in the tabernacle there was a mercy-seat) which is called a glorious high throne from the beginning (Jer 17:12), and that throne surrounded by spiritual Israelites, twenty-four elders, double to the number of the tribes, clothed in white raiment (Re 4:4), and the banner over them is Love; 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, Ps 76:11. God by his grace keep us close to him!
³ And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.
⁴ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.
⁵ And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar.
⁶ And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.
⁷ Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun.
⁸ And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.
⁹ All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth.
¹⁰ On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.
¹¹ And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.
¹² And those which pitch by him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
¹³ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.
¹⁴ Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.
¹⁵ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.
¹⁶ All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.
¹⁷ Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.
¹⁸ On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.
¹⁹ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty thousand and five hundred.
²⁰ And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
²¹ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.
²² Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.
²³ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
²⁴ All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.
²⁵ The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
²⁶ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.
²⁷ And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.
²⁸ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.
²⁹ Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.
³⁰ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.
³¹ All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.
³² These are those which were numbered of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers: all those that were numbered of the camps throughout their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.
³³ But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.
³⁴ And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.
We have here the particular distribution of the twelve tribes into four squadrons, three tribes in a squadron, one of which was to lead the other two. Observe, 1. God himself appointed them their place, to prevent strife and envy among them. Had they been left to determine precedency among themselves, they would have been in danger of quarrelling with one another (as the disciples who strove which should be greatest); each would have had a pretence to be first, or at least not to be last. Had it been left to Moses to determine, they would have quarrelled with him, and charged him with partiality; therefore God does it, who is himself the fountain and judge of honour, and in his appointment all must acquiesce. If God in his providence advance others above us, and abase us, we ought to be as well satisfied in his doing it in that way as if he did it, as this was done here, by a voice out of the tabernacle; and this consideration, that it appears to be the will of God it should be so, should effectually silence all envies and discontents. And as far as our place comes to be our choice our Saviour has given us a rule in Lu 14:8, Sit not down in the highest room; and another in Mt 20:27, He that will be chief, let him be your servant. Those that are most humble and most serviceable are really most honourable. 2. Every tribe had a captain, a prince, or commander-in-chief, whom God himself nominated, the same that had been appointed to number them, Nu 1:5. Our being all the children of one Adam is so far from justifying the levellers, and taking away the distinction of place and honour, that even among the children of the same Abraham, the same Jacob, the same Judah, God himself appointed that one should be captain of all the rest. There are powers ordained of God, and those to whom honour and fear are due and must be paid. Some observe the significancy of the names of these princes, at least, in general, how much God was in the thoughts of those that gave them their names, for most of them have El, God, at one end or other of their names. Nethaneel, the gift of God; Eliab, my God a Father; Elizur, my God a rock; Shelumiel, God my peace; Eliasaph, God has added; Elishama, my God has heard: Gamaliel, God my reward; Pagiel, God has met me. By this it appears that the Israelites in Egypt did not quite forget the name of their God, but, when they wanted other memorials, preserved the remembrance of it in the names of their children, and therewith comforted themselves in their affliction. 3. Those tribes were placed together under the same standard that were nearest of kin to each other; Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, were the three younger sons of Leah, and they were put together; and Issachar and Zebulun would not grudge to be under Judah, since they were his younger brethren. Reuben and Simeon would not have been content in their place. Therefore Reuben, Jacob's eldest son, is made chief of the next squadron; Simeon, no doubt, is willing to be under him, and Gad, the son of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, is fitly added to them in Levi's room: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, are all the posterity of Rachel. Dan, the eldest son of Bilhah, is made a leading tribe, though the son of a concubine, that more abundant honour might be bestowed on that which lacked; and it was said, Dan should judge his people, and to him were added two younger sons of the handmaids. Thus unexceptionable was the order in which they were placed. 4. The tribe of Judah was in the first post of honour, encamped towards the rising sun, and in their marches led the van, not only because it was the most numerous tribe, but chiefly because from that tribe Christ was to come, who is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and was to descend from the loins of him who was now nominated chief captain of that tribe. Nahshon is reckoned among the ancestors of Christ, Mt 1:4. So that, when he went before them, Christ himself went before them in effect, as their leader. Judah was the first of the twelve sons of Jacob that was blessed. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, were censured by their dying father; he therefore being first in blessing, though not in birth, is put first, to teach children how to value the smiles of their godly parents and dread their frowns. 5. The tribes of Levi pitched closely about the tabernacle, within the rest of their tribes, Nu 2:17. They must defend the sanctuary, and then the rest of the tribes must defend them. Thus, in the vision which John saw of the glory of heaven, between the elders and the throne were four living creatures full of eyes, Re 4:6,8. Civil powers should protect the religious interests of a nation, and be a defence upon that glory. 6. The camp of Dan (and so that tribe is called long after their settlement in Canaan (Jdg 13:25), because celebrated for their military prowess), though posted in the left wing when they encamped, was ordered in their march to bring up the rear, Nu 2:31. They were the most numerous, next to Judah, and therefore were ordered into a post which, next to the front, required the most strength, for as the strength is so shall the day be. Lastly, The children of Israel observed the orders given them, and did as the Lord commanded Moses, Nu 2:34. They put themselves in the posts assigned them, without murmuring or disputing, and, as it was their safety, so it was their beauty; Balaam was charmed with the sight of it: How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! Nu 24:5. Thus the gospel church, called the camp of saints, ought to be compact according to the scripture model, every one knowing and keeping his place, and then all that wish well to the church rejoice, beholding their order, Col 2:5.
以色列的千军万马既已在前一章中被点阅，本章便将其布阵编列，并按神的命定对其营盘作出规整的部署。此处记载：I. 关于这事的总令，民 2:1-2。II. 各支派驻扎的具体指示，分为四个独立的方阵，每个方阵三个支派。1. 在东面前锋的是犹大、以萨迦和西布伦，民 2:3-9。2. 在右翼、即南面的是流便、西缅和迦得，民 2:10-16。3. 在后队、即西面的是以法莲、玛拿西和便雅悯，民 2:18-24。4. 在左翼、即北面的是但、亚设和拿弗他利，民 2:25-31。5. 会幕居于中央，民 2:17。III. 这一安排的结语，民 2:32 等。