Numbers 2:10-16 meaning

The three tribes assigned to camp on the south side of the tabernacle were to gather around the standard of the camp of Reuben. It was fitting that Reuben have the "standard." He was the first son of Jacob, by Leah (Genesis 29:32), thus holding a special place amongst the sons of Jacob.

The southern tribes were arranged by their armies. Each tribe would constitute an army. There were, therefore, twelve armies that made up the entire fighting force of Israel. Also, the leader of the sons of Reuben was named. It was Elizur the son of Shedeur. This agrees with what was stated in Numbers 1:5. The size of his army, even their numbered men, was 46,500. This is the same number that was given in Numbers 1:21.

The second tribe to camp on the south next to Reuben shall be the tribe of Simeon. The leader of the sons of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai (Numbers 1:6). The size of his army, even their numbered men, was 59,300. This is the same number that was given in Numbers 1:23.

Next in line to camp on the south side of the tabernacle was the tribe of Gad, and the leader of the sons of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel (Numbers 1:14). The size of Gad's army—his numbered men—was 45,650. This is the same number that was given in Numbers 1:25. The three tribes along the south side of the tabernacle were collectively referred to as the "camp of Reuben."

So, the total of the numbered men of the camp of Reuben was 151,450, by their armies. This was the total number of troops on the south side of the tabernacle. These three tribes on the south were to set out second, after the tribes on the east. Their troop strength was 151,450 compared to 186,400 for the camp of Judah, who walked first in line, and camped on the east side of the tabernacle.