18 The standard of the camp of Ephraim, by their hosts, 'is' westward; and the prince of the sons of Ephraim 'is' Elishama son of Ammihud; 19 and his host, and their numbered ones, 'are' forty thousand and five hundred. 20 And by him 'is' the tribe of Manasseh; and the prince of the sons of Manasseh 'is' Gamaliel son of Pedahzur; 21 and his host, and their numbered ones, 'are' two and thirty thousand, and two hundred. 22 And the tribe of Benjamin; and the prince of the sons of Benjamin 'is' Abidan son of Gideoni; 23 and his host, and their numbered ones, 'are' five and thirty thousand and four hundred. 24 All those numbered of the camp of Ephraim 'are' a hundred thousand, and eight thousand, and a hundred, by their hosts; and they journey third.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 2:18-24
Chapter Contents
The order of the tribes in their tents.
The tribes were to encamp about the tabernacle, which was to be in the midst of them. It was a token of God's gracious presence. Yet they were to pitch their tents afar off, in reverence to the sanctuary. The children of Israel put themselves in their posts, without murmuring or disputing; and as it was their safety, so it was their beauty. It is our duty and interest to be contented with the place allotted to us, and to endeavour to occupy it in a proper manner, without envying or murmuring; without ambition or covetousness. Thus the gospel church ought to be compact, according to the Scripture model, every one knowing and keeping his place; and then all that wish well to the church rejoice, beholding their order, Colossians 2:5.