Chapter 33—From Sinai to Kadesh
This chapter is based on
Numbers 11
and
12
.
The building of the tabernacle was not begun for some time after
Israel arrived at Sinai; and the sacred structure was first set up at the
opening of the second year from the Exodus. This was followed by
the consecration of the priests, the celebration of the Passover, the
numbering of the people, and the completion of various arrangements
essential to their civil or religious system, so that nearly a year was
spent in the encampment at Sinai. Here their worship had taken a
more definite form, the laws had been given for the government of the
nation, and a more efficient organization had been effected preparatory
to their entrance into the land of Canaan.
The government of Israel was characterized by the most thorough
organization, wonderful alike for its completeness and its simplicity.
The order so strikingly displayed in the perfection and arrangement
of all God’s created works was manifest in the Hebrew economy.
God was the center of authority and government, the sovereign of
Israel. Moses stood as their visible leader, by God’s appointment, to
administer the laws in His name. From the elders of the tribes a council
of seventy was afterward chosen to assist Moses in the general affairs
of the nation. Next came the priests, who consulted the Lord in the
sanctuary. Chiefs, or princes, ruled over the tribes. Under these were
“captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains
over fifties, and captains over tens,” and, lastly, officers who might be
employed for special duties.
Deuteronomy 1:15
.
The Hebrew camp was arranged in exact order. It was separated
into three great divisions, each having its appointed position in the
encampment. In the center was the tabernacle, the abiding place of
the invisible King. Around it were stationed the priests and Levites.
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Beyond these were encamped all the other tribes.
To the Levites was committed the charge of the tabernacle and all
that pertained thereto, both in the camp and on the journey. When the
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