The first two chapters of Numbers give a census of all the capable men of war in each of the twelve tribes of Israel. The census did not include women, children, or the elderly. Some scholars estimate there were at least two million Hebrews in the wilderness. With so many people, you’d think it would be utter chaos. But God is a God of order. As we read in the accounts of Noah’s ark, and the Tabernacle, God is into the details.
Numbers 1-4 gives the blueprint of how the tribes of Israel were to set up camp in the wilderness. The tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad were to be set up on the south side. Dan, Asher, and Naphtali were to be set up on the north side. To the east were the tribes of Issachar, Judah, and Zebulan. And to the west were the tribes of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Benjamin (Num. 2:1-31). In the midst of the encampment were the Levites, along with Moses, Aaron and his sons (Num. 1:53; 3:38).
At the center of the encampment was the Tabernacle. All of the tribes, including the Levites, were to be facing the Tabernacle while they were encamped (Num. 2:2). Offerings and sacrifices were made at the Tabernacle. Fellowship took place at the Tabernacle (Lev. 3; 7:11-34). Prayer was offered inside of the Holy Place at the Tabernacle (Ex. 30:1-10). Atonement was made at the Tabernacle (Lev.16:1-34). Rejoicing and jubilee took place at the Tabernacle (Lev. 27:23). Guidance in the form of the pillar of cloud or a pillar of fire took place at the Tabernacle (Num. 12:5; Deut. 31:15). God’s glory filled the Holy of Holies at the Tabernacle (Ex. 40:34). God spoke to the people from the Mercy Seat inside of the Tabernacle (Lev. 16:2; Num. 7:89). Everything of importance to the Hebrew was found at the Tabernacle.
Beloved, just as the Tabernacle was the center of Israel’s camp, we must make the Church of the Living God the center of our lives. The church is where God speaks. The church is where God’s glory can be experienced. The church is where fellowship with God and His people takes place. Rejoicing in praise and worship happens at church. You can find God’s guidance where God’s Word is expounded. Prayer for one another can be found in the church. Everything of importance in the believer’s life can be found in the church!