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Shelishi
- Hashem told Moshe that the following is the order that the Jewish people are to encamp around the Mishkan:
- In the East: In the east is to encamp the tribes of Yehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun. This camp is led by the tribe of Yehuda. The census of the tribe of Yehuda showed a population of 74,600 [men above the age of 20]. Its leader was Nachshon Ben Aminadav. The census of the tribe of Yissachar showed a population of 54,400 [men above the age of 20]. Its leader was Nesanel Ben Tzuar. The census of the tribe of Zevulun showed a population of 57,400 [men above the age of 20]. Its leader was Eliav Ben Cheilon. The total population for the camp of Yehuda was 186,400 [men above age 20]. They were the first to journey.
- In the South: At the south is to encamp the tribes of Reuvein, Shimon, and Gad. This camp is led by the tribe of Reuvein. The census of the tribe of Reuvein, showed a population of 46,500 [men above the age of 20]. Its leader was Elitzur Ben Shedeur. The census of the tribe of Shimon showed a population of 59,300 [men above the age of 20]. Its leader was Shelumiel Ben Tzurishaddai. The census of the tribe Gad showed a population of 45,650 [men above the age of 20]. Its leader was Eliasaf Ben Reuel. The total population for the camp of Reuvein was 151,450 [men above age 20]. They were the second to journey.
- In the West: At the west is to encamp the tribes of Ephraim, Menasheh, and Binyamin. This camp is led by the tribe of Ephraim. The census of the tribe of Ephraim showed a population of 40,500 [men above the age of 20]. The leader of Ephraim was Elishama Ben Amihud. The census of the tribe of Menasheh showed a population of 32,200 [men above the age of 20]. The leader of the tribe of Menasheh was Gamliel Ben Pedahtzur. The census of the tribe of Binyamin showed a population of 35,400 [men above the age of 20]. The leader of the tribe of Binyamin was Avidan Ben Gideoni. The total population for the camp of Ephraim was 108,100 [men above age 20]. They were the third to journey.
- In the North: At the north is to encamp the tribes of Dan, Asher and Naftali. This camp is led by the tribe of Dan. The census of the tribe of Dan showed a population of 62,700 men above the age of 20. Its leader was Achiezer Ben Amishaddai. The census of the tribe of Asher showed a population of 41,500 men above the age of 20. Its leader was Pagiel Ben Ochran. The census of the tribe of Naftali showed a population of 53,400 men above the age of 20. Its leader was Achira Ben Einan. The total population for the camp of Dan was 157,600 [men above age 20]. They were the last to journey.
- Traveling order: The Ohel Moed and the Levite camp are to travel in the middle of the camps. All the camps are to travel the same direction and group that they are positioned. The total count [of men above age 20] within the 12 tribes was 603,550. The Levites were not included in this count, as Hashem commanded Moshe.
Q&A on Rashi
📘 Rashi Q&A — Bamidbar 2
2:1–2 — Structure of the Camp
Q1. How were the Israelites instructed to camp?
A: Each tribe camped by its banner, with unique colors and symbols inherited from Jacob.
Q2. Where was the Mishkan located?
A: At the center of the camp.
Q3. How far did the tribes camp from the Mishkan?
A: 2,000 cubits, enabling approach on Shabbat.
2:3–9 — Camp of the East
Q4. Which tribes camped to the east?
A: Judah, Issachar, Zebulun
Q5. Why does Judah lead?
A: Because of kingship.
Q6. Who traveled first when the camp moved?
A: The eastern camp.
2:10–16 — Camp of the South
Q7. Which tribes camped to the south?
A: Reuven, Shimon, Gad
Q8. Why is Reuven not first despite being firstborn?
A: He lost leadership due to past actions.
2:17 — Levites in the Center
Q9. Where did the Levites camp?
A: Around the Mishkan, between it and the tribes.
Q10. Why are they placed there?
A: To guard the Mishkan and prevent unauthorized access.
Q11. When did the Levites travel?
A: After the eastern and southern camps, and before the western and northern camps.
2:18–24 — Camp of the West
Q12. Which tribes camped to the west?
A: Ephraim, Menasheh, Benjamin
Q13. Why does Ephraim lead this camp?
A: Spiritual precedence over Menasheh.
2:25–31 — Camp of the North
Q14. Which tribes camped to the north?
A: Dan, Asher, Naphtali
Q15. Why is Dan last?
A: Though last, Dan is strong and acts as the rear guard.
2:32–34 — Summary
Q16. How many were counted in all camps?
A: 603,550, excluding Levites.
Q17. What does the final verse emphasize?
A: Israel camped and traveled exactly as God commanded.