Numbers 2:3

“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 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…”

“on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies--Judah, placed at the head of a camp composed of three tribes rallying under its standard, was said to have combined the united colors in the high priest's breastplate, but called by the name of Judah. They were appointed to occupy the east side and to take the lead in the march, which, for the most part, was in an easterly direction. Nahshon--or Naasson (Mat 1:4; Luk 3:32-33). shall be captain--It appears that the twelve men who were called to superintend the census were also appointed to be the captains of their respective tribes--a dignity which they owed probably to…”

“The following plan shows the general arrangement of the camp, which would vary in different places according to local exigencies. The area of the camp might be about three square miles: Numbers 2:14 Reuel - Doubtless an error of transcription for Deuel Numbers 1:14. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Judah - This tribe was in the first post, and in their marches led the van, not only because it was the most numerous, but chiefly because Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, was to descend from it: Yea, from the loins of Nahshon, who is here appointed the chief captain of it. Numbers 2:17”

“2:3-9 The tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun camped in the most prestigious place on the east side of the Tabernacle and led the way when Israel was on the move. This largest of the tribal groups (186,400) could provide adequate protection for the sacred tent and its attendants.”

“the standard: Gen 49:8-10; Jdg 1:1, Jdg 1:2; Ch1 5:2 Nahshon: Num 1:7, Num 7:12, Num 7:17, Num 10:14-16, Num 26:19-22; Rut 4:20; Ch1 2:10; Mat 1:4; Luk 3:32, Luk 3:33, Naasson Numbers 2:4”

“Order of the tribes in the camp and on the march. - Num 2:3-9. The standard of the tribe of Judah was to encamp in front, namely towards the east, according to its hosts; and by its side the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun, the descendants of Leah, under the command and banner of Judah: an army of 186,400 men, which was to march out first when the camp was broken up ( Num 2:9), so that Judah led the way as the champion of his brethren ( Gen 49:10). Num 2:4-9 "His host, and those that were numbered of them" (cf. Num 2:6, Num 2:8, Num 2:11, etc.), i.e., the army according to its numbered men. Num 2:10-16 On the south side was the standard of Reuben, with which Simeon and Gad, descendants of…”