Topical Bible: Israel: The Order of the March

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The Order of the March refers to the divinely instructed arrangement and movement of the Israelite tribes during their wilderness journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This order is meticulously detailed in the Book of Numbers, particularly in chapters 2 and 10, and reflects both the organizational structure and the spiritual significance of the Israelite community as they traveled under God's guidance.

Divine Command and Structure

The Lord commanded Moses and Aaron to arrange the tribes around the Tabernacle, which was the central place of worship and symbolized God's presence among His people. The arrangement was not arbitrary but was divinely ordained to reflect both order and holiness. Numbers 2:2 states, "The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family."

The Camp Arrangement

The tribes were divided into four groups, each consisting of three tribes, and were positioned around the Tabernacle in a specific order:

1. East Side: The camp of Judah, which included the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, was positioned on the east side. Judah, being the leading tribe, was given the place of honor and leadership. Numbers 2:3-9 describes Judah's camp as the first to set out, emphasizing its role as the vanguard.

2. South Side: The camp of Reuben, including the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, was stationed on the south side. Numbers 2:10-16 outlines their position and marching order.

3. West Side: The camp of Ephraim, which comprised the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, was located on the west side. Numbers 2:18-24 details their arrangement and movement.

4. North Side: The camp of Dan, including the tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, was placed on the north side. Numbers 2:25-31 describes their position as the rear guard during the march.

The Role of the Levites

The Levites, who were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle, camped around it and were responsible for its care and transportation. Numbers 2:17 states, "Then the Tent of Meeting and the camp of the Levites will set out in the middle of the camps. They are to move out in the same order as they camp, each in his own place under his standard." The Levites were divided into three families—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—each with specific duties related to the Tabernacle's components.

The Marching Order

The order of the march was as follows:

1. The camp of Judah set out first, leading the procession.
2. The camp of Reuben followed.
3. The Levites, carrying the Tabernacle, moved in the center.
4. The camp of Ephraim came next.
5. The camp of Dan brought up the rear.

Numbers 10:14-28 provides a detailed account of the marching order, emphasizing the organized and purposeful movement of the tribes.

Spiritual Significance

The Order of the March was not merely a logistical arrangement but held deep spiritual significance. It demonstrated the unity and discipline of the Israelite community under God's leadership. The central position of the Tabernacle highlighted the importance of God's presence and guidance in their journey. The arrangement also foreshadowed the order and structure within the Kingdom of God, where each tribe and individual had a designated role and purpose.

The Order of the March serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, order, and reverence for God's presence in the life of His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 2:1
And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Census of Israel
... The march of the generations is not a procession passing ... prophetic warning, "Set
thine house in order; for thou ... been buried and mourned by all Israel, and now ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus.
... 8] The righteous will live again in order to participate ... his idea of a secular kingdom
of Israel, even if ... 7041; Fasti praenestini, on the 6th of March, and on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter iv the order of.htm

Israel at the Red Sea
... Israel said within themselves, "We shall now march to Canaan ... Taking the first point,
the children of Israel just now ... of every new-born child; in order to try ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/israel at the red sea.htm

Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
... sin of this people, proceed therefore in your march, and lead ... We see the order rise
out of the divine ... When Moses returned to intercede for Israel, he certainly ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon viii moses prayer to.htm

A Strange Battle
... that the enemy's hostility was a poor 'reward' for Israel's ancient forbearance ... When
the morning dawned, the array was set in order and the march begun, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a strange battle.htm

The Siege of Jericho
... would take about an hour or so to march round the ... He was as truly with Israel when
they fought apparently ... Old and the New Testaments is that the order of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the siege of jericho.htm

The Shout of Faith
... the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. ... declared His plan;
and after a few directions as to the order of their march, and blowing ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

Free Grace (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, March 12, 1865. ...
... GRACE (Preached before the Queen at Windsor, March 12, 1865.). ... has caught many a
man's ears, in order that the ... the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel. ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon viii free grace preached.htm

The Names on Aaron's Breastplate
... the Prophet Isaiah, where, addressing the restored and perfected Israel, he says ...
Christ will give us strength within, and also will order the march of His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the names on aarons breastplate.htm

Numbers
... Then, with the divine guidance assured, and the order of march determined, the ... we
may easily read the unique importance of the ark for early Israel, x.33-36 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/numbers.htm