First, camped around the tent of meeting (1-31). After the men were counted in the census, God arranged the camp. He brought military order to the camp in order to prepare them for war. Twelve tribes were divided into groups of three. Each group camped, by tribe, on one side of a hollow square. The Levites camped in the middle of this square, camping around the tent of meeting. Thus the tent of meeting, where God met with his people, was the focal point of the camp. God's presence was central to everything the Israelites did, including how and when to break camp and how to prepare for battle. Second, as the LORD commanded (32-34). The Israelites counted their fighting men but excluded the Levites. They arranged their camp by their standards, clans and families. They did everything the LORD commanded. Obedience to God's word is vital when we want to be used by God.
Application: Lord, please take the central place in my life. Help me to arrange and order my life according to your word so that I may serve you and others.
One Word: Prepared to serve God's kingdom work.