Numbers 2:20, commentary and pictures

Numbers 2:20 assigns Manasseh its appointed place in the camp, beside Ephraim under its own standard, and names Gamaliel son of Pedahzur as its captain and leader. It belongs to the arrangement in which each tribe had its own standard and place, and the people moved in an appointed order rather than by individual choice. The orderly arrangement of the tents can be studied as an example of order in God's work.

The arrangement was instituted in the days of Moses very soon after leaving Egypt, when Moses was in special providence qualified to stand at the head of the armies of Israel. Every tribe carried its own standard bearing the sign that distinguished that tribe and of their father's house, and was commanded to pitch by its own standard. When they rested the tabernacle was erected and then the different tribes pitched their tents in order in just such a position as God commanded, around the tabernacle at a distance from it. Each tribe and each person had an assigned place and work.

In all their journeying the tribes were required to observe perfect order and to march in appointed order, every tribe under its own standard, rather than by individual choice. Manasseh was required to pitch under its own standard and to march in order under its own standard when the ark moved. The Levites bore the sacred ark in the midst, with Moses and Aaron marching just in front of the ark and the sons of Aaron following near them with trumpets to signify to the people the directions received from Moses. God signified when they should pitch their tents in a certain place and when they should journey again by causing the pillar of cloud to rest directly over the tabernacle until they should move.

That perfect organization and special order was for Israel's good and for God's glory. It was meant to impress the people with God's majesty and holiness and the purity he requires of those who serve him. The orderly arrangement and the faithful performance of each person's duty were to show the surrounding nations God's character and what he desires his people to be, that the Lord governed Israel, and to uphold the dignity of his work.

The order then instituted remains a deliberately given example of God's deliberate order and organization to be studied, showing that success attends order and harmonious action. Heaven is in perfect order with subjection and thorough discipline, and each is not to pursue his own course independent of his brethren. It is faithfully described as a picture hung up before those on whom the ends of the world are come as a warning lest they follow Israel's example of disobedience, murmuring, transgression and rebellion and fall like them. For God has not changed from a God of order, is the same in the present dispensation as in the former, is not the author of confusion but of peace and is as particular now as then, designing that lessons of order and organization be learned from the perfect order then instituted for the benefit of Israel. His people now should work in an orderly, united way and live so their conduct gives others a true impression of their faith.