In this daily Bible reading is the account of Israel departing from Mount Sinai to proceed on their journey to the promised land. They had been at Mount Sinai for over a year. During that time God provided Moses with God’s laws and commandments by which Israel was to live. Additionally, the Tabernacle and articles of worship were built; and Aaron and his sons were consecrated to be priests before God.
Now it was time to move, and God prescribed a specific order of march and movement. Moses and the ark were to lead the march. Next in line were the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, which had their camp set up to the east. Following them was the Tabernacle which was transported by the Gershon-ites and Merari-ites of the tribe of Levi. Next were the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, which were camped to the south of the Tabernacle.
Following them were the articles of worship carried by the Kohath-ites of Levi. When the articles of worship would arrive at the next camp, the Tabernacle would be set up and ready to receive them.
Next came the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, which were camped to the West. Finally, bringing up the rear guard were the tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. Such was the order of March to move over 1 million Israelites and the Tabernacle to the Promised Land.
