The document describes the layout and encampment of the 12 tribes of Israel around the tabernacle according to Numbers 2. It explains that the tribes were arranged into four main camps located on the north, south, east and west sides of the tabernacle. Each tribe's position and standard/flag symbolized aspects of Jesus' ministry. The Levites camped closest to the tabernacle to carry out its services, foreshadowing the 144,000 who will serve God day and night in heaven.

1. LAY-OUT
“Every man of the children of Israel shall
pitch by his own standard, with the ensign
of their father's house: far off about the
tabernacle of the congregation shall they
pitch.”
Numbers 2:2

2. SANCTUARY
TYPE
• The twelve tribe were divided up into four
main camps with three tribes on each side.
• Each camp was arranged so to form a hollow
square around the court and tabernacle,
which was in the center.
• EAST CAMP-JUDAH NUM. 2:3
• SOUTH CAMP-REUBEN NUM. 2:10
• WEST CAMP-EHPRAIM NUM. 2:18
• NORTH CAMP-DAN NUM. 2:25
ANTITYPE
• The gates of the New Jerusalem.
• Rev. 21:13
• The sea of glass Rev. 4:6
• The 144,000 Rev. 21:10-18
• The beast around the throne.
• Rev. 4:6,7
• The four living creatures.
• Ezek. 1:5-25

3. • The Israelites were to camp far off from the sanctuary. Numbers 2:2
• They were not to come any nearer than 2,000 cubits to the ark when they were
marching. Josh. 3:3,4
• Two thousand cubits is a little more than two-thirds of a mile.

4. camp of judah
“And on the east side toward the rising of the sun
shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah
pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the
son of Amminadab shall be captain of the
children of Judah.”
Numbers 2:3

5. SANCTUARY
TYPE
• Their camp was on the east side of
the sanctuary. Num. 2:3
• their staff held a flag with a lion on it.
(Rev. 4:7, Gen. 49:9, 10)
• A lion stands for: strength, courage,
and kingship.
• (Dan. 7:4; 2:32,37, 38)
• The kingdom of Judah would stand till
Shiloh would come. (Gen. 49:9,10)
• The book of Exodus (Gospel according
to Moses) is the setting up of the
nation or kingdom of Israel.
ANTITYPE
• Jesus comes from the east.
See Mat. 24:27; EW 15; 2SG 32.
• Jesus is called the lion of the tribe of Judah. Rev.
5:5
• Seen in the four beast around the throne of God.
(Rev. 4:7)
• “Shiloh” means Messiah.
• See strongs Concordance, #7886, Hebrew;
• DA 34, 103; pp 236
• The book of Matthew (gospel according to
Matthew) is the inroduction of Jesus as King. Mat.
2.2
• Jesus is the king.
• Phil. 2:5-9, specifically verse 6

6. camp of reuben
“On the south side shall be the standard of the
camp of Reuben according to their armies: and
the captain of the children of Reuben shall be
Elizur the son of Shedeur.”
Numbers 2:10

7. SANCTUARY
TYPE
• Their camp was on the south side of
the sanctuary. Num. 2:10
• their staff held a flag with a calf (ox)
on it. (Rev. 4:7, Strong’s Concordance,
#7205 and #1 121, Hebrew.
• A calf stands for sacrifice and service.
(see Appendix B)
• The book of Leviticus (Gospel
according to Moses) tells us about the
services of the sanctuary.
• (SDA Bible Dictionary, p. 651)
ANTITYPE
• Seen in the four beast around the
throne of God. (Rev. 4:7)
• Jesus was our servant and our
sacrifices.
• See Phil. 2:6-9, specifically verse 7.
• The book of Mark (Gospel according
to Mark) tells us of the services Jesus
did and about His sacrifice for us. (See
SDA Bible Dictionary, p. 685, 686; also Appendix C)

8. camp of ephraim
“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

9. SANCTUARY
TYPE
• Their camp was on the west side of
the sanctuary. Num. 2:18
• their staff held a flag with a man’s
face (Rev. 4:7, zech. 10:7-12
• A man’s face stands for humanity. The
word “Ephraim” means fruitfulness,
double fruit. (see Gen. 4:52; 48:19)
Strong’s Concordance, #669, Hebrew.
• The book of Numbers (Gospel
according to Moses) tells us about the
different ways the Israelites were
numbered and incidents through
which Christ led and guided
them.(SDA Bible Dictionary, p. 778)
ANTITYPE
• Seen in the four beast around the
throne of God. (Rev. 4:6, 7)
• Jesus was born in human flesh and
took upon Himself the physical
weakness of humanity. See Heb. 2:14-
18; Phil. 2:7,8.
• The book of Luke (Gospel according to
Luke) tells more about Jesus’
humanity, His young life, and ministry,
than the other Gospels. He is our
guide and example in all things. (See
SDA Bible Dictionary, p. 666; also Appendix D)

10. camp of dan
“The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the
North side by their armies..”
Numbers 2:25

11. SANCTUARY
TYPE
• Their camp was on the north side of
the sanctuary. Num. 2:25
• their staff held a flag with a serpent,
and later an eagle on it. (See Gen.
49:17; also Appendix E.
• A serpent stands for biting, making
quick judgements, and striking out.
The word “Dan” means judge,
avenger, and strive at law. (see Gen.
49:16,17 )
ANTITYPE
• Seen in the four beast around the
throne of God. (Rev. 4:6, 7)
• Jesus is the Judge.
• Jude 14, 15; Rom. 14:10
• Vengeance belongs only to Him.
• Heb. 10:30

12. SANCTUARY
TYPE
• An eagle stands for high and exalted
things-divinity.
• The book of Deuteronomy (Gospel
according to Moses) is a review of
God’s guidance and holy laws. Moses
wanted to inspire the people to
worship God, the one and only true
divine Being. (See SDA Bible
Dictionary, p. 267)
ANTITYPE
• Jesus is highly exalted above all things.
Phil. 2:9-11
• The book of John (Gospel according to
John) stresses that Jesus is the divine
Son of God. (See SDA Bible Dictionary, p. 591;
also Appendix E)

13. the Levites

14. SANCTUARY
TYPE
• Clamped closest to the sanctuary.
Num. 1:53; PP 374, 375
Chosen by God to do the services of the
sanctuary.
Num. 1:47-54; chapter 3;
chapter 4. They had not defiled
themselves because they refused to
bow down and worship the gold image.
see PP 324.
Day and night they were responsible for
the services of the sanctuary.
ANTITYPE
• The 144,000 around the throne of
God in heaven. ( Rev. 14:1-5)
• They had not defiled themselves by
bowing down to the image of the
beast. (Rev. 14:4, 5)
• DAy and night they serve Him and
follow the Lamb whereever He goes.
• Rev. 7:15;14:4