Israel set out in the order of their tribal divisions because God commanded it for the sake of order, unity, and protection. Each tribe had its assigned place both when camped and when marching, and they were to move in that exact arrangement. This showed that God was a God of order, not confusion, and that their journey was to be carried out according to His design.
“Thus the children of Israel were arranged by their armies; and they moved out, everyone by his family, according to their fathers’ houses.” (Numbers 10:28)
By keeping their tribal order, Israel avoided chaos and displayed discipline as a nation under God’s authority. It also ensured that the tabernacle, which was at the center, was properly guarded and carried as they traveled. The careful organization of their march demons/”>demonstrated that Israel was not a wandering mob but the army of the Lord moving under His command.
