Author: Charlie Garrett

Numbers 2:1-34 (The Layout of the Tribes)

Charlie Garrett Numbers (Written)

Numbers 2:1-34
The Layout of the Tribes

In the verses of this chapter, we see the tribe of Judah is said to be
“on the east side, toward the rising of the sun.” There is a debate what that means. Some scholars put Judah to the far east, and then the other tribes collocated with him to his west, closer to the sanctuary. Others will put him in the middle of the three with one on each side of him. And others will put him on the east side of the sanctuary, directly next to it, with the other tribes yet further east. It actually makes a difference which is correct, at least in a theological sense. But before I explain that I’d like to read a portion of the words from the Pulpit Commentary concerning the camp layout as we have just read.

“The Targum of Palestine (which embodies the traditional learning of the Palestinian Jews of the 17th century) says that the camp covered a space of twelve square miles. Modern writers, starting from some measurements of the Roman camps given by Polybius, compute the necessary space at three or three and a half miles square. This would require the strictest discipline and economy of space, and makes no provision for cattle; but supposing that the women and children were closely packed, it might suffice. It is, however, evident that there would be very few places in the wilderness, if any, where more than three square miles of fairly level ground could be found. In the plains of Moab the desired room might perhaps have been found, but scarcely anywhere in the wilderness of Paran. We must conclude, therefore, that this order of encampment was an ideal order, beautiful indeed by reason of its faultless regularity and equality, but only to be attained in practice as circumstances should permit, more or less. … Here is one of those cases in which the spiritual significance of an order is of such importance that it matters comparatively little whether it could be literally carried out or not.” 

What they are saying is that for most of their time in the wilderness, and because of the immense size of the congregation, there simply wasn’t normally enough open space for the camps to be laid out as is specified here. Thus, the presentation is one of intent, but not actuality at all times. Understanding this, we can take a brief journey to Washington DC, where the Washington monument is located. As a monument, it is the tallest of all federal monuments in the district. Capping the monument is an aluminum pyramid 22.6 cm high and 13.9 cm at its base. It weighs 2.85 pounds. At the time of its completion, the monument was the tallest man-made structure in the world. Even today, at 555’, it is the tallest free-standing masonry structure in the world. It has a corresponding base of 55’ as well. On each side of this cap, inscriptions are made. On the north, south, and east, there are names, dates, and information related to the monument. The east side of the cap contains these two words, LAUS DEO.

What this means is that as the sun rises over the district each day, the first thing that it alights upon which belongs to the people of the nation, are the words Praise God. Somebody had been reading his Bible, and somebody also felt that honoring God, as He directs to Israel in His word, was a fitting way to cap this marvelous monument belonging to the people. The approving committee obviously agreed.

Text Verse: “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob!
Your dwellings, O Israel!
6 Like valleys that stretch out,
Like gardens by the riverside,
Like aloes planted by the Lord,
Like cedars beside the waters.” Numbers 24:5, 6

Israel, under ideal circumstances, was to be a praise and a glory to God. They were to encamp around Him as a holy people. The word used in Numbers 2:3 to state where Judah was to be situated is qedemah, or eastward. It is variously translated as “to the east,” “eastward,” “on the east side,” etc. Based on the naming of Judah, meaning Praise, it seems unlikely that they would be anything but wholly eastward as the lead tribe, both when camping and departing for subsequent locations. This seems to be the intent of what is meant when Judah is mentioned eastward, towards the rising of the sun. The Lord was giving a theological lesson in what He expected of His people. That lesson is one of many treasures which is to be found in His superior word. And so let’s turn to that precious word once again and… May God speak to us through His word today and may His glorious name ever be praised.

Chapter 2 of the Book of Numbers

And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying:

This is the first of nine times that the Lord is said to speak to both Moses and Aaron in Numbers. With the numbers now settled from the census, the divisions of those who have been numbered will be directed where to camp in relation to the tabernacle. As is typical in Scripture, there is a logical progression of thought as each step proceeds onto the next. When something seems out of order, it is usually because it is given to provide an unusual sense of clarity about a matter which otherwise might have been overlooked. The Lord has built his house, He has given instructions concerning it, and how He is to be approached and how his people are to act. He then counted the number of His subjects. He will now order them according to a set plan for their march towards Canaan.

2 “Everyone of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard,

The words of this verse are similar to verse 1:52, with some variation. As noted in that verse, the degel, or standard, is specified for the layout of the divisions. The account will focus on four main standards. Under these four standards is another division…

2 (con’t) beside the emblems of his father’s house;

There are twelve named tribes. Leaving out Levi, and dividing Joseph into Ephraim and Manasseh makes twelve. These words indicate twelve emblems. The word here translated as “emblem” is oth. It signifies a sign. It is something distinguishing. It can be a sign such as the heavenly bodies which are used for signs and for seasons. It can be a sign such as the sign of circumcision. It can be a miracle which then proves the power of the Lord, thus being a sign to the people. In this case, it is a sign or emblem, which distinguished the father’s house. Jewish commentaries deal with what the twelve household banners were; the Bible does not. Only four main standards can be inferred as to what they actually were.

2 (con’t) they shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting.

No specific distance is given, but it is likely that they were 2000 cubits distant from the tent of meeting. That is over half a mile. This can be inferred from what is stated in Joshua 3:4 –

“Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.”

This is speculation, but it is a set distance which is explicitly given as a marker of separation. It would then be a suitable distance to allow for the Levites who will camp between the twelve tribes and the tent of meeting. Such a distance was to imprint upon the people the holiness of God, and their inability to approach Him directly unless they came with the proper sacrifices, and through an acceptable mediator. The separation then is thus a picture of our separation from God, and our need for Christ as our Sacrifice, and Christ as our High Priest and Mediator.

It is likely, if the coming of the Lord is soon (as it surely is), that this is a picture of the separation between Christ’s first advent, and our ability to come near to God. Two thousand cubits then would be reflective of the two thousand years that the church needs to traverse before they can come near to God in reality.

3 On the east side, toward the rising of the sun, those of the standard of the forces with Judah shall camp according to their armies;

The wording here is specific. It first identifies qedemah, or eastward, and then mizrakha, or towards where the sun rises. Qedem, or east, needs to be understood. First, Judah is before the other tribes, but the word qedem is figuratively used to signify the past, or former times. The garden which was in Eden was eastward, and when man was cast out of the garden, the cherubim were placed at the east end of the garden to guard the way to the tree of life. Likewise, the cherubim woven into the veil before the ark faced east. It is in the east now, in this advanced location, that the forces of Judah are instructed to be camped under their degel, or standard. The standard of Judah is that of a lion. How we can determine the four standards will be explained later.

The name Judah means “Praise.” As the advanced guard of the armies of Israel, it would then indicate the thought, “Praise first before the Lord.” Judah is first in praise, and Judah is already known to be the tribe from which Messiah would come. Judah is east, or from before, just as Messiah would have his origins from of old, even from everlasting, as prophesied by Micah. And yet He would be the Dayspring from on high as prophesied by Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Everything about the tribe and its placement points to Messiah.

3 (con’t) and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be the leader of the children of Judah.”

As seen in Chapter 1, Nahshon means Enchanter, or Serpent-person. Amminadav means My Kinsman Is Noble or People of the Prince.

4 And his army was numbered at seventy-four thousand six hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:27.

5 “Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar, and Nethanel the son of Zuar shall be the leader of the children of Issachar.”

Issachar is next named, and would be camped next to, but (probably) west of, Judah. As I said, Judah is said to be “eastward,” and it is actually unclear if he was furthest east, or simply eastward of the sanctuary with the other tribes yet further east. I would say furthest east. Issachar is under Judah’s degel, or standard. Issachar means “He is Wages.” Nethanel is named as their leader. Nethanel means, “Given of God.” He is the son of Zuar, or Little One. Issachar is the littlest of the three tribes to the east.

6 And his army was numbered at fifty-four thousand four hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:29.

7 “Then comes the tribe of Zebulun, and Eliab the son of Helon shall be the leader of the children of Zebulun.”

Zebulun would be next to, but west of, Issachar, but still under the degel, or standard, of Judah. Zebulun means, “Glorious Dwelling Place;” a fitting name for being closest to the sanctuary on the east side. Eliab means My God is Father. Helon means Very Strong.

8 And his army was numbered at fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:31.

9 “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Judah, one hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred—these shall break camp first.

The combined strength of the three tribes, all under one standard, that of Judah, is listed. Then it is specifically noted that these three together shall break camp first. Judah means Praise, and thus – like their camping – it forms a picture for us to understand, “Praise is to go first before the Lord.” It is of note that these first three tribes have been placed next to one another as nearest of kin. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun are the three youngest sons born to Leah. As Judah was the oldest of the three, the two younger tribes would not begrudge their older brother being chief of their companies.

10 “On the south side shall be the standard of the forces with Reuben according to their armies,

The next degel, or standard, is that of Reuben. The standard of Reuben is that of a man. Reuben is the furthest teman, or south of the sanctuary. The word teman is the same as yamin, or right, because the south is the right side of a person when facing east. Reuben means, “See, as Son.” As Jesus is the Son of God, He is also at the Right hand of God.

10 (con’t) and the leader of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.”

Elizur means God of the Rock. Isaiah 51:1 combines righteousness in with the rock. Shedeur means Spreader of Light. As the south side receives the greater illumination of the sun in the northern hemisphere, it seems both names are well-suited to the right side.

11 And his army was numbered at forty-six thousand five hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:21.

12 “Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon, and the leader of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.”

Simeon falls under the degel, or standard of Reuben. He would (probably) camp next to, but north of, Reuben. Simeon means “He Who Hears.” Shelumiel means Peace of God. Psalm 85:10 combines righteousness in with peace. Zurishaddai means Rock of the Almighty. Again the idea of the rock and righteousness are seen on the right side. The names do fit their location.

13 And his army was numbered at fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:23.

14 “Then comes the tribe of Gad, and the leader of the children of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.”

Gad falls under the degel, or standard, of Reuben. He would camp next to, but north of Simeon. Gad means both Troop and Fortune. Eliasaph means God has Added. The name Reuel is an interchange recorded in some manuscripts. In Chapter 1 the name is Deuel. Deuel means Known of God. Reuel means Friend of God. The letters Dalet and Resh are extremely similar in appearance and so they are often interchanged. By accident or on purpose is debated.

15 And his army was numbered at forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:25.

16 “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Reuben, one hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty—they shall be the second to break camp.

The combined strength of the three tribes, all under one standard, that of Reuben, is listed. Reuben was the firstborn, but he lost his right to this and so His standard is second behind Judah. Simeon was born after Reuben, and so he is rightly placed under Reuben. And then Gad was the son of their mother Leah’s handmaid. Thus, his is rightly placed under both of them.

17 “And the tabernacle of meeting shall move out with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps; as they camp, so they shall move out, everyone in his place, by their standards.

At first, one might assume there is a contradiction in the Bible between here and Chapter 10. In 10:17, it says that “the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set out, carrying the tabernacle.” If the translations followed the original, there would be no contradiction. The words here are ohel moed, tent of meeting. In 10:17, it says mishkan, tabernacle. The tabernacle is contained within the tent of meeting, and thus it is divided up and moved at different times, between various tribes. This is confirmed in Numbers 10:21 where the holy things from the tabernacle were transported after Reuben’s group. This might seem uninteresting until someone tries to trip up your faith by showing you supposed contradictions which stem from incorrect translations like the Geneva Bible, the KJV, the NKJV and others. This doesn’t say that the tent of meeting would follow Reuben. It simply says it will move out in the middle of the camps. No error exists.

18 “On the west side shall be the standard of the forces with Ephraim according to their armies,

The next degel, or standard, is that of Ephraim. The standard of Ephraim is that of an ox. Ephraim is the furthest yam, or west of the sanctuary. The word yam means “sea.” When facing east in Israel, the sea is to the west. But more, when facing the throne, symbolically in the west, in Revelation 4:6, just before the throne is a sea like glass. Ephraim means, “Double Fruitful.”

18 (con’t) and the leader of the children of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.”

Elishama means God has Heard. Ammihud means My Kinsman is Glorious.

19 And his army was numbered at forty thousand five hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:33.

20 “Next to him comes the tribe of Manasseh, and the leader of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.”

Manasseh falls under the degel, or standard, of Ephraim. He would (probably) camp next to, but east of, Ephraim. Manasseh means “To forget,” but it also means “From a debt.” Gamaliel means Reward of God. Pedahzur means The Rock has Ransomed.

21 And his army was numbered at thirty-two thousand two hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:35.

22 “Then comes the tribe of Benjamin, and the leader of the children of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.”

Benjamin falls under the degel, or standard, of Ephraim. He would camp next to, but east of, Manasseh. Benjamin means “Son of my right hand.” Abidan means Father of Judgment. Gideoni means Feller (as in one who cuts down). These names, along with the tribes they belong to, all fit well with their placement to the west.

23 And his army was numbered at thirty-five thousand four hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:37.

24 “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Ephraim, one hundred and eight thousand one hundred—they shall be the third to break camp.

The combined strength of the three tribes, all under one standard, that of Ephraim, is listed. All three of these are of the lineage of Rachel. Benjamin was born to her. Ephraim and Manasseh were sons of Rachel’s son Joseph. It is logical to have them here because it is a close family grouping. It also forms a beautiful picture of the Lord’s workings in redemption as we will eventually see.

25 “The standard of the forces with Dan shall be on the north side according to their armies,

The final degel, or standard, is that of Dan. The standard of Dan is an eagle. Dan is the furthest tsaphon, or north of the sanctuary. The word tsaphon means hidden, and thus dark. It has the sense of gloomy or unknown because the north receives the least sunlight in the northern hemisphere. Dan means “Judge.”

25 (con’t) and the leader of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.”

Ahiezer means Brother of Help. Ammishaddai means My Kinsman is the Almighty.

26 And his army was numbered at sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:39.

27 “Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Asher, and the leader of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.”

Asher falls under the degel, or standard, of Dan. He would camp next to, but (probably) south of, Dan. Asher means “Happy.” Pagiel means Occurrence of God. Ocran means Troubled.

28 And his army was numbered at forty-one thousand five hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:41.

29 “Then comes the tribe of Naphtali, and the leader of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.”

Naphtali falls under the degel, or standard, of Dan. He would camp next to, but south of, Asher. Naphtali means My Wrestling, or My Twisting. Ahira means Brother of Purpose. Enan means Having Fountains, or Having Eyes.

30 And his army was numbered at fifty-three thousand four hundred.

This is the total recorded in verse 1:43.

31 “All who were numbered of the forces with Dan, one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred—

The combined strength of the three tribes, all under one standard, that of Dan, is listed. Dan was the oldest son of the handmaid Bilhah. To him is added the two younger sons born to the handmaids. Thus there would be a closeness in this grouping because of this. As you can see, under these four groupings, there is an immense wisdom in how they are organized. The families were most closely united in these four groupings. Also, the grouping with Dan is the second largest grouping, and it is also the last to set out. Thus, the front guard is the largest, and the rear guard is the second largest. There is wisdom in the military groupings as well.

31 (con’t) they shall break camp last, with their standards.”

Here the word “last” is akharon. It is essentially the opposite of qedem which was used for Judah. Whereas qedem is east, akharon signifies west when facing east. Whereas qedem means before, akharon signifies behind. But, when speaking of time, qedem speaks of the past, (the first) or former times, but akharon speaks of the future, (the last) or latter times. All of this is in relation to facing east, or looking forward.

32 These are the ones who were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses. All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty.

This verse is derived from the totals relayed to us in 1:45, 46.

33 But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel, just as the Lord commanded Moses.

This is in accord with the Lord’s words to Moses in verses 1:47-53.

*34 Thus the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses; so they camped by their standards and so they broke camp, each one by his family, according to their fathers’ houses.

The words here are taken in a future manner, and apply to the entire duration of the wilderness wanderings. The people are still at Sinai, and they have not yet departed. But when they did, the record here shows that the manner laid out by Moses was followed according to the word of the Lord. This was a systematic camping which, in ideal conditions, was so beautiful, and so perfectly laid out, that it caused Balaam to cry out the words which were our text verse of the day – “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! Your dwellings, O Israel!”

With this chapter now finished, we still need to have explained how we can deduce what the degel, or standard for each of the four groupings was. Tradition says what they are – which is often more than useless, and which normally leads to something meaning whatever one wishes – but the Bible also alludes to each. First is the standard of Judah, the Lion. Only one time in the Bible is the Lion specifically connected to Jesus. That is in Revelation 5:5 –

“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5

The obvious connotation then is that the Lion is specifically connected to Judah. This confirms what was stated in Genesis –

“Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise;
Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;
Your father’s children shall bow down before you.
9 Judah is a lion’s whelp;
From the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He bows down, he lies down as a lion;
And as a lion, who shall rouse him?” Genesis 49:8, 9

If we can determine one other standard, then we can form a pattern. And it can be done. Ephraim is represented by an ox several times in Scripture. The first time is in Deuteronomy 33. In the blessing of Joseph, of which Ephraim was the preeminent son, he is equated to a wild ox in verse 17. In Hosea 10:11, Ephraim is called a “trained heifer,” meaning an ox. He is again called a bull in Jeremiah 31:18. These are sufficient to give us two standards based on a vision of four living creatures seen in Ezekiel 1 –

“As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle. 11 Thus were their faces.” Ezekiel 1:10, 11

Ezekiel beheld a vision of four living creatures each with four faces. The faces are described first as a man. Thus it is the one Ezekiel is seeing first. To the right is a lion. The right from Ezekiel’s position then corresponds to the east as the tribes are laid out. Thus, the man would be to the south, facing him, where Reuben would be. On the left, meaning the west, was an ox. That matches where Ephraim, the ox, is according to the camp layout. And that leaves the eagle facing north, where Dan is. Thus, we can, with all certainty, see the four standards of the tribes – Judah is a Lion; Reuben is a Man; Ephraim is an Ox; and Dan is an eagle. From there, we can see the intended order of these in a numerical sequence from the book of Revelation –

“The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.” Revelation 4:7

The order of the faces is described by John in the same order as the layout of the four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew describes Jesus as the great Son of David, and thus King. The symbol of a king is a lion. The king is equated to a lion in Proverbs 19:12 –

“The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
But his favor is like dew on the grass.”

Kings are again equated with lions in Jeremiah 50:17 –

“Israel is like scattered sheep;
The lions have driven him away.
First the king of Assyria devoured him;
Now at last this Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has broken his bones.”

The symbolism is found in Ezekiel 32:2 also. Next Mark focuses on Jesus the Servant. The ox is considered a servant animal. In the third Gospel, Luke focuses on Jesus’ humanity, calling Christ the Son of Man. He uses the term 26 times in this way. And finally, John focuses on Chris’s deity, calling Him the Son of God, specifically 10 times, but alluding to the Father/Son relationship continually. The eagle is thus a symbol of John’s Gospel, reflecting the Divine nature of Christ.

The camps are laid out by four standards in Numbers; the standards are revealed to us in Ezekiel; and their order is given to us in Revelation – an order that matches that of the four gospels. Thus, the four sets of tribes, consisting of twelve individual tribes, branching out from the tabernacle to the east, west, south, and north are reflective of the four gospels. They are the witness of the Lord who came and tabernacled among us. What is recorded there reveals what was anticipated throughout the entire Old Testament, and that is then explained in the rest of Scripture, as to His Person, His work, and how it pertains to us.

As the sanctuary itself was, in every detail, a picture of Christ, so the gospels are a revelation of Christ. The people of Israel were to be the heralds of Christ to the world; a light to the nations. Their physical encampment around the sanctuary was a picture of the spiritual truth that the gospel would, in fact, go out to all four corners of the earth – north, south, east, and west.

In the end, it is all about Jesus Christ. He is the Praise of God; He is the One who is before all things; and He is the King; He is the Servant of God and the Son of man. He is the Son of God and the Sanctuary for our souls. He is, indeed, all of these and so much more. In the end, the pictures continue to develop into One grand theme – JESUS. It is all about JESUS. More lies ahead when we continue on in the book of Numbers. Stay tuned.

Closing Verse: “They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God.” Luke 13:29

Next Week: Numbers 3:1-13 Of all of the grapes on the vine… (The Levites Shall be Mine) (4th Numbers Sermon)

The Lord has you exactly where He wants you. He has a good plan and purpose for you. It may seem at times as if you are lost in a desert, wandering aimlessly. But the Lord is there, carefully leading you to the Land of Promise. So follow Him and trust Him and He will do marvelous things for you and through you.

The Layout of the Tribes

And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying
These words to them He was relaying

“Everyone of the children of Israel
Shall camp by his own standard, such shall be their seating
Beside the emblems of his father’s house
They shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting

On the east side, toward the rising of the sun
Those of the standard of the forces with Judah, tribes three
Shall camp according to their armies
And Nahshon the son of Amminadab the leader
———-of the children of Judah shall be 

And his army was numbered; those so bred
At seventy-four thousand six hundred

Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar
And shall be the leader of the children of Issachar
———-Nethanel the son of Zuar

And his army was numbered; those so bred
At fifty-four thousand four hundred

Then comes the tribe of Zebulun
And shall be the leader of the children of Zebulun
———-Eliab the son of Helon

And his army was numbered; those so bred
At fifty-seven thousand four hundred

All who were numbered according to their armies
Of the forces with Judah, all together and not dispersed
One hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred
These shall break camp first

On the south side shall be the standard
Of the forces with Reuben according to their armies, for sure
|And the leader of the children of Reuben
Shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur 

And his army was numbered; those so bred
At forty-six thousand five hundred

Those who camp next to him shall be
The tribe of Simeon, by and by
And the leader of the children of Simeon shall be
Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai 

And his army was numbered; those so bred
At fifty-nine thousand three hundred

Then comes the tribe of Gad, as the record does tell
And the leader of the children of Gad shall be
———-Eliasaph the son of Reuel

And his army was numbered; a number unique and nifty
At forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty

All who were numbered according to their armies
Of the forces with Reuben, a lot certainly
One hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty
They shall to break camp the second be

And the tabernacle of meeting shall move out
With the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps; you see
As they camp, so they shall move out
Everyone in his place, by their standards; so shall it be

On the west side shall be the standard of the forces with Ephraim
According to their armies, so it shall be understood
And the leader of the children of Ephraim
Shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud

And his army was numbered, those so bred
At forty thousand five hundred

Next to him comes the tribe of Manasseh, for sure
And the leader of the children of Manasseh shall be
———-Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur

And his army was numbered, those so bred
At thirty-two thousand two hundred

Then comes the tribe of Benjamin with all certainty
And the leader of the children of Benjamin shall be
Abidan the son of Gideoni

And his army was numbered; those so bred
At thirty-five thousand four hundred

All who were numbered according to their armies
Of the forces with Ephraim, so says the word
One hundred and eight thousand one hundred
They shall be to break camp the third

The standard of the forces with Dan
Shall be on the north side according to their armies, by and by
And the leader of the children of Dan shall be
Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai

And his army was numbered; those so bred
At sixty-two thousand seven hundred

Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Asher
———-these are words to act upon
And the leader of the children of Asher
Shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran

And his army was numbered; those so bred
At forty-one thousand five hundred

Then comes the tribe of Naphtali; his name is now drawn
And the leader of the children of Naphtali shall be
———-Ahira the son of Enan

And his army was numbered; those so bred
At fifty-three thousand four hundred

All who were numbered of the forces with Dan
All those men so amassed
One hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred
They shall break camp with their standards last

These are the ones who were numbered
Of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses
———-a numbering large and nifty
All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces
Were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty 

But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel
Just as the Lord commanded Moses; as the Lord to Moses did tell

Thus the children of Israel did
According to all that the Lord to Moses commanded
So they camped by their standards and so they broke camp
Each one by his family, according to their fathers’ houses
———-as the situation so demanded

Lord God, we are even now in a wilderness
And we are wanting to be led by You
Without You to direct, our lives would be a mess
And so be our guide, O God; You who are faithful and true

We long for the water in this barren land
May it flow forth from the Rock, our souls to satisfy
Give us this refreshing, spiritual hand
And may we take it, and to our lives daily it apply

And we shall be content and satisfied in You alone
We will follow You as we sing our songs of praise
Hallelujah to You; to us Your path You have shown
Hallelujah we shall sing to you for all of our days

Hallelujah and Amen…

Hebrews 2:5

Charlie Garrett Hebrews (Written)

Sunday, 19 August 2018

For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. Hebrews 2:5

The word “For” here is given as an explanatory marker. The author has shown that the salvation provided by Jesus, and which pertains to men, is much greater than the “word spoken through angels.” What had previously been enacted was temporary, but the salvation which comes through Christ Jesus (the Son) is forever. Thus, His rule is also forever (as is explicitly stated in verse 1:8). In this new order or things, verse 1:14 said that the angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.”

With this understanding, he continues with, “He has not put the world to come.” A similar phrase is seen in Hebrews 6:5. Some translations actually make it the same by saying “the world to come.” Others more rightly translate it as, “the age to come.” The reason is that two different words are used. Here, in verse 2:5, it is speaking of the inhabited world. There, it is speaking of the age of time reaching into the future. The author says that the “world” to come, meaning the inhabited earth, is that “of which we speak.” He is conveying his thoughts while using the plural to include his audience. He is ensuring that all are on the same page concerning the issue at hand.

It is this world to come which “He has not put … in subjection to angels.” This returns to the thought of verse 1:14 (as noted above). The idea here is that he first cited verse 1:14. Then he showed the supremacy of what Christ brought about in His work related to salvation, being greater than that of which the angels spoke out; and then he has said that the world to come, which is based on His work of salvation, will not be in subjection to angels. Instead, it will be in subjection to Him, and the angels will minister to man on His behalf. This “world to come” certainly speaks of the millennium. The author is speaking to a Jewish audience about what has been promised to them in their own Scriptures. The distinction to be made is between the current arrangement and that which will be realized in Christ’s second coming.

This must speak of the time of the millennium, because in verse 2:8, he will note that all things will be in subjection to Him. The same idea is stated in 1 Corinthians 15:24-27. This includes death itself. However, death is not said to be cast into the lake of fire until after the millennium. Therefore, the “world to come” is referring to the millennium, and it then extends beyond that when death is finally gone forever.

Life application: It is hard to imagine how replacement theologians can ignore a literal millennial period of reign by Messiah, but they do. However, the author of Hebrews is addressing a Jewish audience who were (and who are) expecting a dispensation where Messiah will rule on earth. They expect this because this is what their Scriptures proclaim, and it is what the author of Hebrews clearly indicates is coming. Don’t be misled into accepting the idea that the church has replaced Israel. The Bible never proclaims this, in either testament.

Lord God, it is a remarkable day which lies ahead when Christ Jesus will rule for a thousand years among Israel. They shall be the head of the nations, and the promises to them will all be fulfilled in the most remarkable way. We must be close! Israel is back in her land, the church is quickly falling away from sound doctrine, and the world is about to receive its just due for its perverse conduct. As You have spoken, so it is coming to pass. Thank You that we have full assurance of our faith because of the prophetic word! Praises to You, O God. Amen.

Hebrews 2:4

Charlie Garrett Hebrews (Written)

Saturday, 18 August 2018

God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? Hebrews 2:4

These words continue the question began in verse 2. All taken together, they read –

“For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?”

The words, “God also bearing witness,” are speaking about the “salvation” in verse 2, meaning the gospel message. The author’s claim is confirmed by the words of Mark 16:20 –

“And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.”

As can be seen both in Hebrews and in Mark, God confirmed the message of salvation found in Jesus with “signs.” A “sign” is something (usually miraculous) which is particularly given to confirm or authentic something else. As HELPS Word Studies notes, a sign “then emphasizes the end-purpose which exalts the one giving it. Accordingly, it is used dozens of times in the NT for what authenticates the Lord and His eternal purpose, especially by doing what mere man cannot replicate or take credit for.”

God is also said to have borne witness through “wonders.” A wonder is an extraordinary event with a supernatural effect being left upon any who witness it. A portent from heaven would be a wonder.

God further bore witness through “various miracles.” The word “miracle” as used here signifies power which comes through God’s ability. In using God’s ability to perform or accomplish something, the result is something that could not otherwise have been accomplished by the individual.

Along with these, God confirmed the gospel message of salvation through Christ Jesus by “gifts of the Holy Spirit.” The Greek signifies “distributions.” God distributed the effective working of the Holy Spirit according to His chosen purpose. Some spoke in tongues, some performed healings, and so on. God did this in order to confirm that Jesus, whom these individuals proclaimed, was and is the Messiah. And all of this was “according to His own will.”

The workings of God mentioned in this verse were all at His sovereign discretion. There are times when the apostles could not heal (see Philippines 2:25-30, 1 Timothy 5:23, & 2 Timothy 4:20, for example). There are times when tongues are inappropriate (see 1 Corinthians 14:27-30). The signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit which came to the apostles were for particular reasons, at particular times, and always to confirm God’s word concerning the saving message of Christ Jesus. This is in contrast to how the “word spoken through angels” was received and confirmed.

The lesson here is that if there was a punishment for infractions of the law, how much more can we expect that God will more severely deal with a rejection of the gospel! Trifling with the message of Jesus Christ, mishandling the word which speaks of Him, and using false signs, miracles, and demonstrations of “gifts” of the Spirit are instances deserving of the highest degree of censure from Him.

Life application: The word has been confirmed. The Bible is written, and it speaks of those things which came to pass in order to reveal the truth of Jesus. There is no longer a need for signs, miracles, wonders, and distributions of the Holy Spirit in the manner that came during the apostolic age, nor should they be expected. If someone is sick, we should pray for them, but we should never arrogantly “claim” healing. It is God who decides, according to His wisdom to hear and respond. The gifts we now possess are on a different level than during the apostolic age, and they are to be used to the glory of God. Be wise concerning false teachers, false healers, and false miracle workers. Stick to the word which reveals all we need to know to have faith in the Son.

Heavenly Father, You have confirmed Your word to the people of the world through the apostles You sent forth after Jesus’ ministry. Now, we are asked to live by faith in that same word which has been written as a testimony of His authority. Help us to not follow after false teachers who claim the miraculous. We have Your word, and it is sufficient. Thank You for the surety we possess because of it! Amen.

Hebrews 2:3

Charlie Garrett Hebrews (Written)

Friday, 17 August 2018

…how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, Hebrews 2:3

The previous verse noted the steadfast nature of the word which was “spoken through angels.” If there was a transgression of it, or disobedience toward it, there was to be a just reward for the violation. That now leads to an obvious question. If that is so with the word spoken through angels (meaning messengers), then “how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord?” It is a rhetorical question which expresses denial. Q: “How shall we escape?” A: “Indeed, we shall not escape.”

In other words, the author has been carefully showing the supremacy of the Son over the angels. This consumed much of the body of Chapter 1. It was made perfectly evident that the Son is the Lord God. And so if the angels transmitted a word which was to be carefully adhered to, and if that word was violated, one could expect to receive a just penalty, how much more just would the penalty be for neglecting the salvation offered by the Lord? The difference between “word” of verse 2:2 and “salvation” of this verse shows the strong contrast. The angels spoke a word; the Son offers salvation. The word expects obedience or punishment will result; the Son offers salvation or condemnation will result.

It is one thing to sin against God by violating His law. It is an action which leads to separation from God. If no remedy for that sin is provided, then there would naturally be a continued separation from Him. However, the law provided atonement for sin, and so a recovery of the relationship was possible. However, in the coming of Christ, a rejection of Him leaves no possible recovery. He is the full and final remedy which the law only pointed to. That will be explained as the book of Hebrews continues. To neglect the only remedy to the disease which infects us means to be wholly consumed by it.

From there, the salvation is noted by the author with the words, “which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord.” It seems like a peculiar way of speaking at first, but it is the “beginning” of it by the Lord which is being emphasized. The Greek literally reads, “seeing that it, having at the first been spoken.” The Lord began to speak the message (John was only a herald of Christ who would present the gospel), and that message was then carried on by the apostles. That is noted with the words, “and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.”

The apostles confirmed the word which was at first spoken by the Lord. They became His witnesses to that which they heard and saw. From there, they carried the message out to others, explaining what had occurred, and showing how it was the fulfillment of everything that had been anticipated in the Scriptures.

It is this verse which some use to dispel the idea that Paul is the author of Hebrews. He states in Galatians 1:12 that he received his instruction directly from Jesus Christ by revelation. He also notes elsewhere that he had personally seen the risen Christ. As this is so, and as the author includes himself in this verse with the word “us,” then how could the author be Paul? However, Paul heard the message in Acts 7 at the stoning of Stephen. He certainly heard it by other Jews as he had them arrested. The gospel was, in fact, confirmed to him by those who “at the first began” to speak it. This verse doesn’t deny his other claims of having been instructed by the Lord. Instead, it simply says that the Lord began to speak the message, and then that message was confirmed by the apostles who continued to speak it out. His later reception of doctrine directly from the Lord in no way negates the fact that he first heard the gospel from other apostles and disciples, such as Stephen.

In fact, as an apostle, his words are now being used in the letter to confirm that same word to others who must then make their own decision concerning Jesus Christ. The argument that it cannot be Paul who is writing the epistle breaks down when the words he pens are properly considered. Whether he wrote it or not is unknown, but this verse cannot be used as a confirmation that he didn’t write it.

It should be noted that it is a rare thing in Hebrews for Jesus to be termed “the Lord.” Normally, he is spoken of as “the Son,” or He is spoken of by the position which He is said to fill (such as High Priest). However, in order to make it absolutely certain that “the Son” is “the Lord,” the particular designation is made here. It thus provides a special dignity to the salvation spoken of. As He is the Lord, in rejecting Him, where else could one go? The answer is obvious. There is nowhere else one can go. Salvation is limited to that which is offered through Jesus Christ alone.

Life application: The message of Jesus Christ is an exclusive message. In the modern world, that is deemed as a politically incorrect thought. People don’t want limitations of any kind set on them. However, man is responsible to God, not the other way around. If God has determined that salvation is through Christ alone, then that is the way it is. Be fixed and firm in your presentation of the Gospel. When difficult questions arise which you don’t have the answer to, you still must be firm about those things you do have the answer to. Never waffle in your stand that Jesus Christ alone is the way to being reconciled to God.

Heavenly Father, we are not all theologians with answers to the deeper questions of the faith, but we are all accountable for the basic truths which come with the faith, such as Jesus Christ being the only way to salvation. Even if we can’t answer all of the questions that are presented to us, we can be fixed and firm in what we do know. May we never water down the gospel which says that salvation is only found by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Give us the fortitude to stand on this basic message, because it is the only hope for mankind. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Hebrews 2:2

Charlie Garrett Hebrews (Written)

Thursday, 16 August 2018

For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, Hebrews 2:2

The word “For” is given to make a contrast between the word spoken by angels to that which comes through the Son. It is an argument from the lesser to the greater. It next says, “if the word spoken through angels.” Scholars generally argue that this is speaking of the Law of Moses as having been given through the mediation of angels (meaning heavenly beings). The way Bibles are translated, Stephen seems to allude to this in Acts 7:53. Likewise, because of the translation, Paul also seems to allude to it in Galatians 3:19. In this, it is argued that the Lord communicated the law through angels (meaning heavenly beings) to Moses. However, this is not the case. Rather, the law was spoken by the Lord directly to the people (Exodus 20:1), or he spoke out the law face to face with Moses (Exodus 33:11 & Numbers 12:8). From Moses, it was conveyed directly, or along with Aaron, to the people.

The word “angel” simply means “messenger.” In the case of the Law of Moses, it is Moses and Aaron who conveyed the words of the Lord to the people. They acted as the angels, or messengers, of the Lord. Later during the time of the law, it is seen that angels, such as Gabriel and Michael, also spoke out words to certain people though. Further, prophets and seers continued to receive the word, passing it along to the people. The point of what is being said here is that “the word,” meaning the law, was “spoken through angels.” The Lord spoke, and His chosen messengers – be it Moses and Aaron, the prophets, or heavenly angels – relayed His word to the people. And this word “proved steadfast.”

Despite being conveyed to the people through a secondary source, it remained the word of the Lord, and it was considered inviolable. It was set, established, and firm. As Albert Barnes says, “It did not yield to circumstances.” If a violation of the law occurred, there was either a punishment to be meted out, a sacrifice to be made, or a covering over of the sin would be required on the Day of Atonement. When any portion of the law was broken, the entire law was broken (James 2:10). Jesus said as much concerning the law –

“For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” Matthew 5:18

Understanding this, the author then notes that “every transgression and disobedience received a just reward.” The word translated as “transgression” is a compound word which signifies “an overstepping.” It signifies a willful disregard of the law of God which defies His set drawn-lines. In this, one could think of the violation of a specific command concerning something forbidden – “You shall not.” The word translated as “disobedience” is also a compound word in the Greek. It signifies that which rises up from a negative attitude, such as one who refuses to properly pay heed to what is said. In this, one could think of the violation of a general command concerning something expected – “You shall.” In such violations of the law, for the offender, there was a “just reward.”

The idea of this is that a repayment of a price due was to be expected. It is a compensation which corresponds to a set standard. One can think of a reward for living in faith, or for punishment when failing to meet a set standard. God is the Source, He sets the standard, and rewards or punishments are set based on that. The Law of Moses was a set standard, and though it was spoken indirectly to the people (apart from the Ten Commandments), it was expected to be adhered to. The “from a lesser to a greater” will be seen in the coming verses.

Life application: The Law of Moses had its expectations. To show the severity of violating its standards, examples of punishment for infractions are given. For example, the first recorded Sabbath-breaker was taken out and stoned. Likewise, a person was stoned for speaking blasphemy. This was what was expected. The explicitly named penalty for numerous laws was given. If the law was this great, and yet something greater is found in the word of the Son, how carefully then should we pay heed to the message which comes from Him, or those who proclaim Him!

Lord God, where can salvation be found apart from Jesus Christ? The answer is given right in Your word. It is not attainable. All salvation in history was looking by faith to the coming Messiah, or it is looking back on the Messiah who has come. Only by faith in Him is man restored to You. Help us not to put our trust in deeds of our own doing, but to faithfully trust in the full and final work of Jesus our Lord. Amen.