The hierarchy where two tribes answered to a third during movements, whether in motion or while stationed, pertained solely to their travels through the wilderness and interactions with hostile nations on their journey to the Promised Land. One cannot overlook the fact that the military strategy and encampment arrangements of the Israelites reflect a significant understanding and advancement in warfare tactics. Previously, we have discussed the unique insignias of each tribe as preserved through rabbinic tradition, which seemingly derive from Jacob's blessings and the imagery found in Genesis 49.
The layout of the camp was structured as follows: at the center was the tabernacle housing the ark of the covenant, tended by the Levites. West of the tabernacle were the clans of Gershon, situated behind the holy of holies. To the right or southern side of the tabernacle were the clans of Kohath, while the clans of Merari were positioned on the northern side. Eastward, directly in front of the tabernacle and before its entrance, were the tents belonging to Moses, Aaron, and their kin, forming a separate encampment.
To the east, in what appears to be the most honorable section of the camp, lay the united camp of the three tribes: Judah—being the eldest—along with Issachar and Zebulun. Southward from the tabernacle, potentially at a similar distance as Judah's camp, was the encampment of Reuben, accompanied by Simeon and Gad. To the west, behind the tabernacle, were Ephraim, who held the prime position among the descendants of Rachel's ancestor, along with Manasseh and Benjamin. Finally, to the north, on the left side of the tabernacle, were Dan with Asher and Naphtali, this last grouping serving as a consistent rearguard during their travels. It is noteworthy that the tribe of Dan, as previously indicated in Numbers 1, was the largest in military strength, following Judah among the Israelites.
It is reasonable to assume that this camp arrangement shifted based on local conditions and only broadly adhered to this structure when circumstances permitted. It is likely that in the plains of Moab, as mentioned in Numbers 22:1, the camp would have been ideally situated, as the area east of the Jordan and along the Dead Sea is considered by travelers to be favorable for such positioning.
THEOSIS