John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And on the east side, towards the rising of the sun , etc.] Which rises in the east; or of all; for, as Jarchi observes, that which is “before” is called “Kedem”, the east, as the west is called “behind”: shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch, throughout their armies ; the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, formed one camp, which had its name from the principal tribe Judah; and this was divided into various regiments and companies, called armies, who severally pitched under one and the same standard. It is said Judah’s stone was the “nophech” (which we render an emerald), and his flag was coloured in the likeness of the colour of the heavens, and there was formed upon it a lion.
Issachar’s was the sapphire, and his flag was coloured black, like to black lead, and there were framed upon it the sun and moon, on account of what is said, ( 1 Chronicles 12:32). Zebulun’s was a diamond, and his flag was coloured white, and there was formed upon it a ship, because of what is said, ( Genesis 49:13); and Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, [shall be] captain of the children of Judah ; who had been assisting in numbering the people, and who afterwards offered to the dedication of the altar, ( Numbers 1:2 7:2).
Matthew Henry Commentary
- 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 the were to pitch their tents afar off, in reverence to the sanctuary. The children of Israel put themselves in their posts, without murmuring of 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 of murmuring; without ambition or covetousness. Thus the gospel churc ought to be compact, according to the Scripture model, every on knowing and keeping his place; and then all that wish well to the church rejoice, beholding their order, Col 2:5 _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew והחנים2583 קדמה6924 מזרחה4217 דגל1714 מחנה4264 יהודה3063 לצבאתם6635 ונשׂיא5387 לבני1121 יהודה3063 נחשׁון5177 בן1121 עמינדב׃5992
