Numbers 2

Numbers 2:2

OWne standard] In the twelve Tribes were foure principall standards; so that every three Tribes had their standard, banner, or flagge; for the Israelites, above others, were the Church Militant, being to make roome for themselves in Canaan, by expelling the Canaanites; and of that Church it might especially be said, That it was terrible as an armie with Banners, Cant. 64. 10. for the hearts of the enemies melted at the tidings of them, Joshua 7:5. How these nsignes were differenced we finde not in Scripture; some Jewish writers affirme, that they were distinguished according to the colours of the precious stones, that had the names of the Tribes engraven on them, Exodus 28:21. And some thinke they were distinguished by the portraiture of beasts, or other things, to which they are likened in the Scripture; especially in the 49. of Genesis, where Judah is compared to a Lion, Issachar to an Asse, Dan to a Serpent, Naphtali to an Hinde, Benjamin to a Wolfe, &c. in each of the three under one standard, the middle Tribe had the preeminence, to which the two Tribes on each hand were, if not subject in power, yet somewhat inferiour in honour.

farre off] About two thousand cubits; that distance was to be kept betwixt the people and the Arke; Joshua 3:4. which is thought to be the measure of a Sabbath-dayes journey, Acts 1:12. the distance betwixt Mount Olivet and Jerusalem, which was seven or eight furlongs, which make an English mile: thus farre they were to keepe aloofe for reverence; and no further, for Religions sake; that the Tabernacle might be within their view, and they ready for recourse unto it (especially on the Sabbath day:) and it is like, (as some conjecture) that the doores of their Tents were so set, that being opened, they might set their faces towards the Tabernacle.

about] For better defence, more ready accesse, and prospect; which betokened Gods gracious presence in the midst of his people, Ezekiel 43:7. and his saving protection of his Church, and guarding it on every side.

Numbers 2:5

Issachar] Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, the sonnes of Leah, were of the first standard on the East.

Numbers 2:9

of Judah] Those three Tribes under one standard, tooke their denomination from the chiefe, which was Judah.

Numbers 2:10

of Reuben] Reuben, and Simeon, the sonnes of Leah, and Gad the sonne of Zilpah her maide, were of the second standard.

Numbers 2:14

Revel] The same man is called Devel, Chap. 1. vers. 24. which difference proceedeth of the similitude of two Hebrew letters, Dalth and Resh: which sheweth that the Hebrew letters were the same in forme, and figure anciently, which we have at the present: this difference in proper names altereth not the sense, and in other words the sense will shew which is the right writing.

Numbers 2:17

midst] That it might be in equall distance from, and equall neerenesse to each one; and that all might have indifferent recourse unto it: and about the arke, and next unto it were the Levites placed.

Numbers 2:18

on the West] Heb. toward the sea. For the Sea lyeth on the West-side of Palestine.

Ephraim] Because Ephraim and Manasses supplied the place of Joseph their father, they are taken as Rachels children; so they and Benjamin make the third standard on the West.

Numbers 2:25

Dan and Naphtali] The sonnes of Billah Rachels hand-maide, with Asher the sonne of Zilpah, Leahs hand-maid, made the fourth standard on the North.

Numbers 2:34

standards] For under every one of the foure principall standards; besides which it is like there were others of lesse eminencie, yet sufficient for distinction of the severall Regiments, and for direction of the souldiers in their march; for though they were very many, yet were they put into very good order, wherein consisteth both the beauty, and usefulnesse of any great assemblie; whether in the Church, Levit. 24. 4, 6, 8. Colos. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 14. last: or in the Campe, 1 Kings 20:14. 1 Chron. 6. 32. or in the Common-weale, Exod. 18. 21, 22.