Numbers 2:3,4

The camp of Judah.

The encampment of Judah

I. The tribe. “Judah” signifies praise. “Now will I praise the Lord,” said his mother Leah at his birth (Genesis 29:35). Thus is the spiritual Judah established and made a praise in the earth (Isaiah 62:7), to the glory of God of whom it is born and made. This whole family in heaven and earth is named and appointed to be a continual praise to the glory of the omnipotent grace of Jehovah. Kings and priests as they all are, is not each “a brand plucked out of the fire”? (Zechariah 3:2).

II. Their encampment. “Judah shall encamp.” But in what form and order? Upon this we have only to say, with respect to the spiritual Judah, that the mystical Cross of their great High Priest embodies itself in all their stations and movements, gives shape to all their hopes and expectations, directs and regulates their prayers, praises, and exertions. Whatever they attempt or whatever they enjoy is conformed to the Cross.

III. The direction in which the camp is situated. Judah shall encamp toward the sun-rising. Such too is the cheerful situation of the beloved people; they have the evening behind them, and the morning in their eye. All are looking towards the rising day, towards the Day-star from on high.

IV. Judah’s encampment toward the sun-rising was to be with his banner. Banners gave the signal for the people to march; they were painted upon hills and eminences, that they might be seen at a distance, and straightway the hosts marched towards and gathered round them. So it is with our banner of the Cross. It is a magnet of irresistible attraction. Wherever it is lifted up, there is a movement, an excitement, a stir, and the elect of God gather around it with exultation or with weeping.

V. Judah’s host. How astonished should we be, what mingled terror and great joy would surprise us, if suddenly those covering angel-hosts, which encompass the spiritual Israel, were to burst the veil which renders them invisible to mortal eyes, and come forth at once into full view! Some in this world have been favoured to behold a portion of those invisible squadrons which always attend the children of God. Judah’s host is the heavenly band of “watchers,” who are sent forth to minister to the safety and welfare of those who shall be heirs of salvation.

VI. The name of Judah’s captain is Nahshon, son of Amminadab. This name truly belongs to the Prince of the host, the Captain of our salvation. Nahshon signifies experience; and who is so experienced in conflict as He who was made perfect in sufferings, and having spoiled principalities and powers, overcame death, and opened to us the gate of everlasting life! Who is so experienced a captain as He, whose unslumbering pastoral care has been exercised for ages in behalf of His people! Who is so experienced in the tumult and alarm of war as He, against whom the infatuated and cold-hearted world have been bearing arms day and night for so many centuries I And who is so accustomed to triumph as He, who is making all such enemies His footstool and everywhere abides last upon the field! Appropriate therefore to Him is the name of Nahshon. He is also as truly in character “the son of Amminadab.” For this name, which signifies “My people are a willing gift,” directs our thoughts first to God the Father, as freely giving to Christ all who will ever come unto Him, and as making them also willing in the day of His power. (F. W. Krummacher, D. D.)

Aspects of honour

I. Honour wisely conferred.

II. Honour in relation with duty and responsibility.

III. Honour as connected with parental influence,

IV. Honour as related to future greatness.

Jacob had predicted that Judah should be the ruling tribe; he promised to Judah a kingdom and sovereignty. Ages more were to pass away before the prediction was fulfilled; but the honour now conferred on the tribe would encourage faith in its predicted destiny. Its natural tendency would be to stimulate them to--

1. Believe in their destiny.

2. Work for their destiny.

3. Wait for their destiny.

Let every privilege conferred upon us increase our assurance of the splendid honours which await us hereafter. (W. Jones)

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