When the Israelites traveled through the wilderness, Yahweh gave them very specific instructions on how to set up their camp. At the very center stood the Tabernacle, God’s dwelling place among His people. Inside the Tabernacle were the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies, and in the Holy of Holies stood the golden menorah (lampstand), the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. In the courtyard around the Tabernacle were the bronze altar for sacrifices and the bronze basin for washing.
Twelve Tribes of Israel
The twelve tribes of Israel were divided into four main groups, each camping on a different side of the Tabernacle: “The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family” (Numbers 2:2). On the east side were Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. Judah’s group was the largest, and by God’s command it set out first when the Israelites traveled (Numbers 10:14).
On the south side camped Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, forming the second group. On the west side camped Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, the descendants of Rachel. On the north side camped Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. Together, these four groups surrounded the Tabernacle.
Surrounding the Tabernacle camped the Levites, the tribe chosen to serve as priests and helpers. Moses, Aaron, and the priests camped on the east side, right in front of the entrance to the Tabernacle, ready to lead the Israelites in worship.
Aerial View of the Camp of Israel
The Camp of Israel was not arranged at random. It showed that Yah was at the center of His people’s lives. From above, the camp looked impressive. The Tabernacle stood in the middle, with the Levites surrounding it, and the 12 tribes spread out in four large groups on each side. The camp formed a massive cross-shaped design, which resembled the Hebrew letter tav (ת). Did you know the letter tav means “mark,” “seal,” or “sign"? In the Bible, it is sometimes used as a special mark of protection, as in Ezekiel 9:4. As the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, tav also represents completion and being set apart for God.
Census of Israel's Warriors
The book of Numbers explains that before the camp was arranged, a census was taken of the Israelite men who were able to fight. More than 600,000 men were counted, not including women and children (Numbers 1:45-46). This means the camp may have included over two million people, making it like a moving city in the wilderness.
Living so close to God’s presence was serious business. In Numbers 11:1-3, the Israelites complained about their hardships, and Yahweh’s fire burned at the edge of the camp, consuming some of the outlying areas, until Moses prayed for the people. This showed Israel that while God was in their midst to guide and protect them, they also had to respect and obey His Torah.
Pillars of Cloud and Fire
By day, a pillar of cloud rested over the Tabernacle, and by night, a pillar of fire lit up the camp (Exodus 40:36-38). When the cloud of God’s presence lifted from the Tabernacle, the Israelites would pack up and march in the same order as their camp. Judah’s tribe led the way, followed by Reuben’s, then the Levites carrying the holy objects, then Ephraim’s tribe, and finally Dan’s tribe as the rear guard. This order protected the Israelites and kept them together on their journey through the wilderness.
Learn more about the Camp of Israel in our Twelve Tribes of Israel Activity Book. Click the book cover below to learn more:
