Numbers 2:2 - Tribes camp under ancestral banners

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Hebrew Text

אִישׁ עַל־דִּגְלוֹ בְאֹתֹת לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם יַחֲנוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מִנֶּגֶד סָבִיב לְאֹהֶל־מוֹעֵד יַחֲנוּ׃

English Translation

Every man of the children of Yisra᾽el shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensigns of their father’s house: far off about the Tent of Meeting shall they pitch.

Transliteration

Ish al-diglo be'otot levet avotam yachanu bnei Yisrael mineged saviv le'ohel mo'ed yachanu.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִ֣ישׁ עַל־דִּגְל֤וֹ בְאֹתֹת֙ לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֔ם יַחֲנ֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל מִנֶּ֕גֶד סָבִ֥יב לְאֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵ֖ד יַחֲנֽוּ׃

Parasha Commentary

Organization of the Camp

The verse describes the orderly arrangement of the Israelite camp during their travels in the wilderness, with each tribe encamped under its own banner (deglo) and family insignia (os), surrounding the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This structure reflects both physical and spiritual organization, as taught by Rashi (Bamidbar 2:2) and the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:3).

Symbolism of the Banners

According to the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7), each tribe's banner had a unique color corresponding to the precious stones on the Choshen (High Priest's breastplate), symbolizing their distinct spiritual qualities. Ramban (Bamidbar 2:2) explains that the banners fostered unity while preserving tribal identity, preventing disputes over camping positions.

Positioning Around the Mishkan

The tribes were arranged in four groups of three, each corresponding to a cardinal direction (Rashi, Bamidbar 2:3).
Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun camped eastward, representing Torah scholarship (as per Sifrei Bamidbar 10:14).
The Mishkan's centrality (as stated in the verse: "far off about the Tent of Meeting shall they pitch") teaches that all aspects of life must revolve around Divine service (Malbim, Bamidbar 2:2).

Spiritual Lessons

The Talmud (Shabbos 92a) derives from this arrangement that proper Jewish living requires both structure (seder) and sanctity (kedushah). The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 2:2) adds that the distance maintained from the Mishkan ("far off") teaches reverence for holy spaces, while still maintaining connection to them.

Historical Continuity

The Or HaChaim (Bamidbar 2:2) notes that this formation was prophetically designed by Yaakov Avinu and later implemented by Moshe, showing how ancestral merit (zechus avos) guides Israel's national structure. The Baal HaTurim connects the word "deglo" (his banner) to "dodim" (Song of Songs 6:10), symbolizing Israel's loving relationship with Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 54b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the arrangement of the Israelite camps around the Tabernacle.

📖 Sotah 36b

The verse is cited in a discussion about the standards and banners of the tribes of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 2:2 mean?
A: Numbers 2:2 describes how the Israelites were commanded to camp in the wilderness. Each tribe had its own flag (דֶּגֶל) and emblem (אוֹת), and they camped in specific positions around the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This arrangement showed order, unity, and reverence for the Mishkan, which was the spiritual center of the camp.

Q: Why did each tribe have its own flag?
A: According to Rashi and Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7), each tribe's flag had unique colors and symbols representing its identity and the virtues of its ancestor (the sons of Yaakov). The flags fostered pride in one's tribe while maintaining unity as part of Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people).

Q: Why did they camp around the Mishkan?
A: The Mishkan was the dwelling place of the Divine Presence (Shechinah), so camping around it showed that Torah and avodah (service to Hashem) were central to Jewish life. The Ramban explains that this arrangement also reflected the Israelites' readiness to journey together in an orderly way when the cloud lifted from the Mishkan.

Q: Does this verse have any relevance today?
A: Yes! While we no longer have the Mishkan, the principles remain: unity among Jews (despite different 'tribes' or communities), pride in our heritage, and keeping Torah at the center of our lives. The flags also teach that each person has a unique role in serving Hashem, as the Midrash emphasizes.

Q: How far was 'far off' from the Mishkan?
A: The Talmud (Sukkah 56b) and Rashi explain that the tribes camped at a distance of 2,000 cubits (approx. 3,000 feet) from the Mishkan. This was also the techum Shabbat (Sabbath boundary), showing that even their dwelling places were governed by halachah (Jewish law).