“On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.”
Numbers 2:18 is part of a larger passage in the book of Numbers that describes the arrangement and organisation of the twelve tribes of Israel around the tabernacle during their journey through the wilderness. God instructed Moses to number the Israelites and assign specific positions to each tribe in relation to the tabernacle, which served as a symbolic dwelling place of God’s presence among them.
In this particular verse, the focus is on the tribe of Ephraim, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob (also known as Israel). The tribe of Ephraim became one of the dominant tribes in the northern kingdom of Israel after the nation split into two following Solomon’s reign.
According to Numbers 2:18, Ephraim was positioned on the west side of the tabernacle. Each tribe had its own banner or standard, which represented its identity and allegiance. The banner of Ephraim was placed on the western side of the camp, indicating their assigned location in relation to the tabernacle.
Furthermore, the verse mentions the captain or leader of the sons of Ephraim, who was Elishama, the son of Ammihud. This indicates that Elishama was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Ephraimites in their journey through the wilderness.
The overall significance of this passage lies in the meticulous organisation of the Israelite camp. It highlights God’s order and authority, as well as His intention for the tribes to function as a unified and structured community. By positioning each tribe in specific locations, God emphasised the importance of order, discipline, and unity among His chosen people.
This passage also demonstrates that God had a plan and purpose for each tribe, assigning them unique roles and responsibilities within the community. Ephraim, as one of the larger and influential tribes, had a significant role to play in the collective journey of the Israelites.
In summary:Numbers 2:18 provides a glimpse into the organisation of the Israelite camp during their wilderness journey. It highlights the placement of the tribe of Ephraim on the west side of the tabernacle and introduces Elishama as their leader. Ultimately, this passage reinforces the importance of order, unity, and purpose within the community of God’s people.
