17 And when the tabernacle was taken down, the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who carried the tabernacle, set out. 18 And the standard of the camp of Reuben set out by their companies, and over their company was Elizur the son of Shedeur. 19 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 20 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
21 Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things, and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival. 22 And the standard of the camp of the people of Ephraim set out by their companies, and over their company was Elishama the son of Ammihud. 23 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 24 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.
25 Then the standard of the camp of the people of Dan, acting as the rear guard of all the camps, set out by their companies, and over their company was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 26 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ochran. 27 And over the company of the tribe of the people of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan. 28 This was the order of march of the people of Israel by their companies, when they set out.
Every time the Cloud of God's presence moved, the tabernacle was taken down and the encampment of the people of Israel moved, in a very organized manner. Why take the time to read this detailed history? First, it is part of God's revelation, so it has a reason. Secondly, then it comes to worshipping and obeying God, He has a plan, a method, and a reason for everything. It is to be done freely, with no holding back, yet, as Paul says to the Corinthians, decently and in order. As we look back today to those who celebrated their first Thanksgiving in America, they were a people of order. They made specific plans for their celebration and did so for specific reasons. They wanted to give God thanks in a way that would honor Him. May our way and our day do the same.
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