Numbers 2:1-34 - God's Tabernacle In The Midst Of Israel's Tents

II. AS A CENTER OF ATTRACTION . The doors of the tents probably faced the tabernacle. It was a center of attraction—

1 . For guidance, through the high priest, and Moses, and the symbolic cloud (cf. Psalms 25:4 , Psalms 25:5 , Psalms 25:9 , Psalms 25:15 ).

2 . For pardon, through sacrifice. And God himself is the only hope of a sinful Church ( Jeremiah 14:7-9 ; 2 Corinthians 5:18 , 2 Corinthians 5:19 ).

3 . For purity, through the restraining and elevating influence of a holy God ever present in their midst (cf. Deuteronomy 23:14 with 2Co 6:16-7:1).

III. AS A PLEDGE OF SAFETY , both when encamped ( Numbers 2:2 ) or on the march ( Numbers 2:17 ). So "God is in the midst" "of the tabernacles of the Most High," the homes of his people (cf. Deuteronomy 4:7 , and Romans 8:31 ). He is in our midst as "a lion" to terrify our foes ( Hosea 11:10 ; see Acts 5:17 42), as a fire to enlighten and to protect ( Isaiah 4:5 ), as "a man of war" to fight for us ( Isaiah 49:25 , Isaiah 49:26 ; Numbers 23:21 ). This presence of God in our midst should inspire