Numbers 2:27

According to the Jewish writers {m}, Dan's stone was the "ligure", and his flag was coloured like to a sapphire, and there was figured upon it a serpent, on account of what is said Genesis 49:17; Asher's stone was the "tarshish" or beryl, and his flag was coloured like to a precious stone, with which women adorn themselves, and on it was figured an olive tree, on account of what is said Genesis 49:20. Naphtali's stone was the amethyst, and his flag was coloured like to clear wine, whose redness is not strong, and on it was figured an hind, on account of what is said of him Genesis 49:21: and the captain of the children of Dan [shall be] Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai; who made mention of in Numbers 1:10. {m} Bemidbar Rabba, ut supra. (sect. 2. fol. 178. 2.) Numbers 2:26 Ver. 26. And his host,.... That is, the host of Dan; and those that were numbered of them, [were] threescore and two thousand and seven hundred. 62,700 men, which agrees with the account of this tribe in Numbers 1:39. Numbers 2:27 Ver. 27. And those that encamp by him [shall be] the tribe of Asher,....

2:1-34 The order of the tribes in their tents. - The tribes were to encamp about the tabernacle, which was to be in the midst of them. It was a token of God's gracious presence. Yet they were to pitch their tents afar off, in reverence to the sanctuary. The children of Israel put themselves in their posts, without murmuring or disputing; and as it was their safety, so it was their beauty. It is our duty and interest to be contented with the place allotted to us, and to endeavour to occupy it in a proper manner, without envying or murmuring; without ambition or covetousness. Thus the gospel church 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.

And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher,.... Dan had a standard given him, though the son of an handmaid, being the firstborn of the sons of the handmaids, and his tribe being a warlike tribe, and very numerous; and Asher and Naphtali are placed by him, being the sons of handmaids also, and could not but contentedly pitch by him, who was the eldest of the sons of the handmaids Naphtali being his younger brother by mother's as well as father's side, and Asher the second son of Zilpah, Leah's maid: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran; the same as in Numbers 1:13.

10-31. On the south side the standard of the camp of Reuben—The description given of the position of Reuben and his attendant tribes on the south, of Ephraim and his associates on the west, of Dan and his confederates on the north, with that of Judah on the east, suggests the idea of a square or quadrangle, which, allowing one square cubit to each soldier while remaining close in the ranks, has been computed to extend over an area of somewhat more than twelve square miles. But into our calculations of the occupied space must be taken not only the fighting men, whose numbers are here given, but also the families, tents, and baggage. The tabernacle or sacred tent of their Divine King, with the camp of the Levites around it (see on [53]Nu 3:38), formed the center, as does the chief's in the encampment of all nomad people. In marching, this order was adhered to, with some necessary variations. Judah led the way, followed, it is most probable, by Issachar and Zebulun [Nu 10:14-16]. Reuben, Simeon, and Gad formed the second great division [Nu 10:18-20]. They were followed by the central company, composed of the Levites, bearing the tabernacle [Nu 10:21]. Then the third and posterior squadron consisted of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin [Nu 10:22-24], while the hindmost place was assigned to Dan, Asher, and Naphtali [Nu 10:25-27].

Thus Judah's, which was the most numerous, formed the van: and Dan's, which was the next in force, brought up the rear; while Reuben's and Ephraim's, with the tribes associated with them respectively, being the smallest and weakest, were placed in the center. (See on [54]Nu 10:13).

[Reformed Biblical] according to the prophecy, Gen_48:19 ,20 . Numbers 2:19 Numbers 2:20 Numbers 2:21 Numbers 2:22 Numbers 2:23 Numbers 2:24 Numbers 2:25 Numbers 2:26 Numbers 2:27 Numbers 2:28 Numbers 2:29 Numbers 2:30 Numbers 2:31 The strongest camp next after Judah, and therefore he comes in the rear, as Judah marched in the front, that the tabernacle might be best guarded where there was most danger. Numbers 2:32 Numbers 2:33 Because their warfare was of another kind. Numbers 2:34 ## By their standards, i.e. each of them under his principal standard. ## Numbers 3:1 NUMBERS CHAPTER 3 The genealogy of Moses, Aaron, and his sons, Nadab and Abihu, Num_3:1-4. The Levites are joined with them in the administration of the tabernacle, Num_3:5-10, instead of all the first-born, Num_3:11-13. The three families

[Reformed Biblical] t the example of Zimri, one of their princes, Num 25 , and some others among them, did infect the generality of the tribe, and so caused this great diminution in their numbers. Numbers 26:15 ## Gad is placed next, because he was joined with Reuben and Simeon in the same camp and quarters, Num_2:10 ,14 . ## Zephon, called Ziphion , Gen_46:16. Numbers 26:16 ## Ozni, called Ezbon , Gen_46:16. Numbers 26:17 ## Arod, called Arodi , Gen_46:16 Numbers 26:18 Fewer by above five thousand than there were in their last numbering, Num_2:15. Numbers 26:19 Numbers 26:20 Numbers 26:21 ## The sons of Pharez, though Judah’s grandchildren, are here mentioned among his sons, because they are put in the stead of Er and Onan, which died before. Numbers 26:22 About two thousand more than they were Num_1:27; whereas the foregoing tribes were all diminished, this tribe was now increased, and the blessing promised to that tribe above the rest, Gen_49:8, doth herein begin to show itself. Numbers 26:23 ## Pua, called also Phuvah , Gen_46:13; as his brother Jashub , Num_26:24, is called Job , Gen_46:13. Numbers 26:24 Numbers 26:25 A great increase. Compare Num_2:6. Numbers 26:26 Numbers 26:27 ## Whereas before they were but 57,400 in Num_1:31 2:8 . So that Judah’s camp was much increased, as Reuben’s was much diminished.