Instructions are now given by God as to where each of the tribes of Israel must camp around the tabernacle (v2). The Lord and His worship were clearly to be the centre of the camp and the centre of the lives of all the people. This has to be true for God’s people today; God and His worship have to be at the centre of our daily lives. God desires not just an appointed slot on a Sunday morning but our daily lives are to be filled with God. This can be realised with daily quiet times, daily family worship but also with what Paul calls ‘praying without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5 v17). This means living in constant communion with the Lord, constantly acknowledging God’s presence and constantly bringing all things before God.

The position for each tribe to camp and the order they are leave after breaking camp is set out (v3-31). Judah, Issachar and Zebulun were to be on the east, Reuben, Simeon and Gad on the south, Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin on the west, Dan, Asher and Naphtali on the north with the Levites immediately Surrounding the tabernacle (v17). This along with tribal leaders being appointed, showed the order and organisation that was needed in leading such a vast People. Each tribe had its divinely appointed place.

In the church today, we need good order and organisation which is expected from the God of order. The church will grow and flourish when each member knows their divinely appointed place to serve. Pray for such good order in your church and for you to know your divinely appointed place to serve.