Numbers 2:27, commentary and pictures

The verse places the tribe of Asher to encamp by him and names Pagiel the son of Ocran as captain of the children of Asher, showing that each tribe had its appointed place and its leader within the orderly organization of the camp. This assignment was one part of the thorough organization and discipline and special order given soon after leaving Egypt in the days of Moses for the benefit of Israel while the people lived in tents. Each tribe was required to pitch by its own standard bearing the sign that distinguished that tribe, the sign of its father's house, and to march in order under its own standard, keeping its appointed place and following clear directions rather than acting independently or without order.

The camping and marching order centered on the tabernacle, with the tribe of Levi in the midst to bear the sacred ark as specified. When resting, the tabernacle was erected and the tribes pitched their tents in order in just the commanded positions around it at a distance from it. When traveling the tribes marched in order, every tribe under its own standard, with the ark of the covenant borne before them, Moses and Aaron marching just in front of the ark and the sons of Aaron following near with trumpets to pass on directions by special understood sounds. Pitching and journeying were directed through the wilderness by the pillar of cloud over the tabernacle: when it was for their good and God's glory to abide in a place the cloud rested low directly over the tabernacle and remained there, and when God would have them journey again the cloud of glory was lifted high above the tabernacle, so that perfect order was required in all journeying and resting.

The directions for arranging the camp established order and harmony, gave each person a defined responsibility, were meant to reveal God's character and the purity He requires of those who serve Him, and displayed Israel's God as its Governor, making a clear impression on surrounding nations. The ordered layout shows that God values order and does not approve confusion in His work; He has not changed but remains the same God of order in the present dispensation as in the former, not the author of confusion but of peace, and as particular now as then. The faithful picture of deliverance with perfect organization and special order, alongside murmuring, transgression, rebellion, punishment, and carcasses strewn in the wilderness through unwillingness to submit to God's wise arrangements, is hung up as a warning lest disobedience be followed and the same fall occur, so that lessons of order and organization are to be learned now. These directions for the camp while living in tents can be studied when planning camp meetings.