Numbers 1-3 Census and Arrangement

Thoughts

Leviticus only covers about a month but Numbers will cover 38 years of Israel’s journey.

Numbers 1

We are now in the second year after they have left Egypt

I have included below the men from each tribe and what their names mean from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-1/

These men assembled and a census was taken.

• Reuben: 46,500
• Simeon: 59,300
• Gad: 45,650
• Judah: 74,600
• Issachar: 54,400
• Zebulun: 57,400
• Ephraim: 40,500
• Manasseh: 32,200
• Benjamin: 35,400
• Dan: 62,700
• Asher: 41,500
• Naphtali: 53,400

• Total: 603,550 fighting men (excluding Levites).

These figures are pretty incredible for teh amount of time since Joseph’s family moved in (the 70). People have debated whether these numbers are literal, a misrepresentation of Hebrew numbers, r a deliberate exaggeration by authors. I believe it is important to first and foremost know that God can do ANYTHING.. make it 1 billion Israelites…but to also keep an open mind.

Levites: They are to be over the tabernacle and furnishings and they will camp surrounding the tent of meeting.

Numbers 2

Arrangement visual included below

Eastern Camp (Leading Camp) 

• Tribes: Judah, Issachar, Zebulun
• Leader of Judah: Nahshon son of Amminadab
• Total: 186,400 men
• They will set out first when traveling.

Southern Camp 

• Tribes: Reuben, Simeon, Gad
• Leader of Reuben: Elizur son of Shedeur
• Total: 151,450 men
• They will set out second.

Levites and the Tabernacle in the Center 

• The Levites camp around the Tabernacle in the center of the camp.
• They move out in the middle of the procession.

Western Camp 

• Tribes: Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin
• Leader of Ephraim: Elishama son of Ammihud
• Total: 108,100 men
• They will set out third.

Northern Camp 

• Tribes: Dan, Asher, Naphtali
• Leader of Dan: Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai
• Total: 157,600 men
• They will set out last

Numbers 3

Reminder of Aaron’s sons: Nadab and Abihu (deceased) and current priests Eleazar and Ithamar

The tribe of Levi is commanded to assist the priests and work the tabernacle, but ONLY a priest may come near holy objects.

God states that the Levites are a substitute for the firstborn of Israel.

Census

Levi had 3 sons Gershon and Kohath and Merari.

Gershon(ites): Libni and Shimei
7,500
Camp on the west
Responsible for curtains, coverings, and hangings

Kohath(ites): Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel
8600
Camp on the south
Responsible for holy objects (ark, table, lampstand, altars)
Eleazar oversees their duties

Merari(tes): Mahli and Mushi
6,200
Camp on the north
Responsible for frames, bars, pillars, bases of the Tabernacle

Moses, Aaron, and his sons camp on the east, guarding the entrance.

Total number of Levite males one month or older: 22,000

Redemption of Israel’s Firstborn 

• Firstborn males of Israel: 22,273
• Levites numbered: 22,000
• The extra 273 firstborn are redeemed with five shekels each
• The money is given to Aaron and his sons as commanded by God

Questions

Not totally sure of what I’m trying to ask but something like..how might the direction each tribe faced (east, south, west, north) have impacted their daily lives?

Application

It is a bit hard to apply a census and tribal arrangement to my life today (although there is a great application of the arrangement at the end of https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-2/) However, in chapter 3, we see the unique role of the Levites and the redemption of the firstborn. The Levites were set apart with a special calling, and each clan had different duties. This makes me think of our calling as Christians. We all share one main calling to love God, love others, and share the gospel, but like the tribes of Israel, we also have individual callings within the church. Each person’s role will look a little different, but all are important.