Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse about the camp of Yehuda teach us?
A: This verse (Numbers 2:3) describes the arrangement of the Israelite camp in the wilderness. The tribe of Yehuda (Judah) was positioned on the east side, which was considered a place of honor since the sun rises in the east. According to Rashi, this prominent position was given to Yehuda because kingship would later come from this tribe (as seen with King David). The orderly arrangement teaches us about the importance of structure and honor in communal life.
Q: Who was Nachshon ben Aminadav and why was he important?
A: Nachshon ben Aminadav was the prince (nasi) of the tribe of Yehuda. According to the Midrash (Sotah 37a), he demonstrated great faith by being the first to step into the Red Sea before it split during the Exodus. His leadership role here shows that true leaders take initiative with courage and faith. The Rambam teaches that leadership in Judaism is about responsibility and service to the community.
Q: Why is the east side considered significant in this verse?
A: In Jewish tradition, the east (where the sun rises) symbolizes renewal, prominence, and divine favor. The Talmud (Bava Batra 25a) discusses the spiritual significance of directions, with east being associated with wisdom. Yehuda's position in the east foreshadows its future role as the royal tribe (as King David and the future Messiah descend from Yehuda). This teaches that physical arrangements often reflect deeper spiritual realities.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from how the tribes camped?
A: The orderly arrangement of the tribes around the Mishkan (Tabernacle) teaches several lessons: 1) Every person and tribe had their unique place and purpose (as explained by the Sforno). 2) Community requires structure and boundaries. 3) All positions were arranged around the central point of holiness (the Mishkan), teaching that our lives should be centered around serving Hashem. This applies today in how we structure our homes and communities.
Q: How does the concept of 'degel' (standard/flag) apply to us today?
A: Each tribe had its own degel (flag) with unique colors and symbols (see Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7). This teaches that while we're one nation, Hashem values our individual identities and strengths. Today, this reminds us to take pride in our Jewish identity (our 'flag') while respecting the diversity within Judaism. The Maharal explains that unity doesn't mean uniformity - different tribes had different roles, just as we each have unique paths in serving Hashem.
Positioning of the Camp of Yehuda
The verse describes the arrangement of the tribes around the Mishkan (Tabernacle), with Yehuda positioned to the east. Rashi (Bamidbar 2:3) explains that the east was considered a place of honor, as it is the direction of the sunrise. Yehuda merited this position due to its future role in kingship (as David and the Davidic dynasty descend from Yehuda) and its leadership among the tribes.
The Significance of the Degel (Standard)
The term "דֶּגֶל" (standard) is interpreted by the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) as a unique banner or flag that identified each tribe. Each degel had distinct colors and symbols corresponding to the tribe's character and mission. Yehuda's banner, according to the Midrash, was sky-blue with the image of a lion, symbolizing its royal destiny (as per Yaakov's blessing in Bereishit 49:9).
Nahshon ben Amminadav's Leadership
The verse singles out Nahshon as the "נָשִׂיא" (prince) of Yehuda. The Talmud (Sotah 37a) highlights Nahshon's extraordinary faith, as he was the first to step into the Yam Suf (Red Sea) before it split, demonstrating his willingness to act with emunah (faith) in Hashem's command. Ramban (Bamidbar 2:3) adds that Nahshon's appointment reflects his personal righteousness and his family's distinguished lineage (he was the brother-in-law of Aharon HaKohen).
Symbolism of the East