Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Numbers 2

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, Numbers 2:1, 2:2. 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, Numbers 2:3-2:9. 2. In the right wing, southward, Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, Numbers 2:10-2:16. 3. In the rear, westward, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, Numbers 2:18-2:24. 4. In the left wing, northward, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, Numbers 2:25-2:31. 5. The tabernacle in the centre, Numbers 2:17. III. The conclusion of this appointment, Numbers 2:32 MHBCC 120.1