Bamidbar: The census of the Israelites and the organization of the tribes.

Bamidbar, meaning "In the desert," is the name given to the book of Numbers in the Torah. It chronicles the events that occurred to the Israelites following their exodus from Egypt as they wandered in the desert for 40 years before entering the Promised Land. A key event described in Bamidbar is the census taken of the 12 tribes of Israel as well as the organization of the tribes around the Tabernacle in the desert.

The Census

After the Israelites left Egypt and built the Tabernacle, God commanded Moses to take a census of the entire Israelite community. The counting of the census emphasized how each person was valued and critical to the community as a whole. It was an undertaking to demonstrate the significance of each tribe and family unit. In total, 603,550 men over the age of 20 were counted, excluding the tribe of Levi which was counted separately for its religious responsibilities.

The exhaustive census quantified the number of fighting men available to the nation and also determined the size of each tribe. This would determine the order of the tribes when they traveled and camped in the desert, each tribe encamping under its own banner and in a specific area around the Tent of Meeting. The census numbers would also be used to calculate the 80 pieces of silver paid as atonement money during a census as well as the contribution amounts for the dedication offerings for the Tabernacle.

The Organization of the Tribes

God gave specific instructions on how the tribes should be geographically positioned around the Tabernacle, which was at the very center of their encampment. Each tribe occupied a cardinal point, with the tribe of Levi forming a sacred circle around the Tabernacle along with Moses, Aaron, and the sons of Aaron. The organization was meticulously prescribed, emphasizing order, ritual purity, and the centrality of God as signified by the Tabernacle.

At the front, to the east, was Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. On the south side was Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. To the west were Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin. And on the north side was Dan, Ashaer, and Naphtali. Not only the order but the precise numbers of each tribe were accounted for in the overall structure. This arrangement allowed for an efficient yet reverential procession when the nation was to set out on its journey. The holiest in the inner circle surrounding the Tabernacle would move out first, after which the tribes on the east would lead, tribe by tribe, through the desert.

The Wilderness Journey

The census and organization of the tribes prepared Israel for the challenges and revelations that lay ahead during their 40-year wilderness journey before entering Canaan.

The organization of the camp reflected a spiritual reality of having God at the center, His presence permeating out to all the tribes inhabiting the land He promised. The census and plans emphasized God’s guidance, protection, and provision for His people during their desert wanderings.

Wishing you a wonderful and sacred day!

See you in the next post,

Tohar Liani