Numbers 2:1-34

👉 Once again, the Lord speaks (v 1). I may just point this out as a reminder to us all every time I see it. Just in case we are tempted to get bogged down or – dare I say it – bored with some of the details of the Old Testament. It’s important to remind ourselves that there is nothing boring about a God who speaks to his people. If our minds are bored – perhaps our hearts are a little off.

👉 Instructions for Setting Up Camp

• the Levites form an inner circle surrounding the tent of meeting
• all camps face the tent of meeting
• on the east: Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun
• on the south: Reuben, Simeon, and Gad
• on the west: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin
• on the north: Dan, Asher, and Naphtali

👉 Here is what I love about this chapter.

603,550 men plus women and children were in their second year of wilderness wandering. And God spoke order into their existence.

Because don’t you think there could have been some panic taking place? Pandemonium? Power struggles? Personality conflicts?

And God spoke and brought clarity and calm and order. There was no jockeying for position because they each had their God-given assignments.

Each camp faced and was focused on the tent of meeting which was where God dwelled. They were not focused on themselves or each other but him.

When God speaks – it is not confusing (1 Corinthians 14:33).

That thought brought me a great deal of comfort. If I am overwhelmed or confused about what to do – I am likely listening to the wrong voice. Because God is not overwhelmed or confused and he does not speak that way to his people.

Who are you listening to today?

You are loved.