Bamidbar 2: Let's Get in Formation

YINR 929: Tanach Yomi · Feb 11, 2026 · 2m

After counting the people in the first chapter, God sets out the organization of the camp. The encampment was set up like a giant plus sign. The Mishkan was in the middle surrounded by the Leviim. To the north of the Mishkan were the tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. To the east was Judah, Issaschar, and Zevulun. To the south was Reuven, Shimon, and Gad. To the west was Ephrayim, Binyamin and Menashe. The breakdown of the tribes seems a little off. The sons of Leah were Reuven, Shimon, Levi, Yehudah, Yissaschar and Zevulun. Zilpah had Gad and Asher, Bilhah had Dan and Naphtali, and Rachel…