photo #7585475

THE BIGGEST CROSS EVER Numbers 2:1-34: What first appears to be only a long list of names and numbers turns out to be a rather impressive picture of the cross of Christ. In all, there were twelve tribes consisting of 603,550 soldiers prepared for battle. In relation to the tabernacle, three tribes camped to the east, three to the west, three to the north, and three to the south. The totals are as follows: East Encampment - 31% - 186,400Judah – 74,600Issachar – 54,400Zebulun – 57,400 West Encampment - 18% - 108,100Ephraim – 40,500Manasseh – 32,200Benjamin – 35,400 North Encampment – 26% - 157,600Dan – 62,700Asher – 41,500Napthelai – 53,400 South Encampment – 25% - 151,450Rueben – 46,500Simeon – 59,300Gad – 45,650 What’s interesting is how the numbers of soldiers in these four divisions form the shape of a cross. Beginning at the east and looking westward, the longest division formed the leg of the cross, consisting of 31% of the soldiers. The upper extension of the cross was formed by the smallest division on the west, where 18% of the soldiers camped. Then the horizontal beam of the cross was formed by the southern and northern encampments, with 25% to the south and 26% to the north. The tabernacle, picturing Christ, was right in the middle. So, looking down from heaven, the Father saw a continual reminder of His own Son’s sacrifice on Calvary. Baalim also saw this in Numbers 23:9-10 when he refused to curse Israel. You might say ole' Baalim was "looking forward to the cross." 😉