Numbers 2:3

3 And they that encamp first toward the east the order of the camp of Juda with their host, and the prince of the sons of Juda, Naasson the son of Aminadab.

Numbers 2:3 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 2:3

And on the east side, towards the rising of the sun
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 ^F7 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 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F7 Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 2. fol. 178. 2.

Numbers 2:3 In-Context

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,

2 Let the children of Israel encamp fronting , every man keeping his own rank, according to standards, according to the houses of their families; the children of Israel shall encamp round about the tabernacle of witness.

3 And they that encamp first toward the east the order of the camp of Juda with their host, and the prince of the sons of Juda, Naasson the son of Aminadab.

4 His forces that were numbered, were seventy-four thousand and six hundred.

5 And they that encamp next of the tribe of Issachar, and the prince of the sons of Issachar Nathanael the son of Sogar.