As the Israelites prepared to conquer Canaan, the LORD told the people to camp and break camp in a specific pattern. The tabernacle was in the center. The Levites camped around the tabernacle (2:53). The other tribes camped around the Levites, some distance from the tabernacle. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun camped on the east. Reuben, Simeon, and Gad were on the south. Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin were on the west. Dan, Asher and Naphtali camped to the north. When they moved, the tribes under Judah and Reuben went first, followed by the Levites carrying the tabernacle. Then the tribes under Ephraim and Dan followed. God designated a place for every Israelite in the community.

In Jesus, we belong to God's community. May we find our place in God's community and encourage others to do the same.

The Israelites formed concentric squares around the tabernacle. God was in the center of their camp. They were to be God-centered people while camping or moving. Likewise, whether we are staying or going, may we also put God and obeying him at the center of our lives.


Application: Father, thank you for including me as one of your people through Christ and giving me a place in your kingdom. Be the center of our lives.
One Word: God's place in my heart; our place in God's community