As the Jewish people travel in the desert, the camp has been neatly organized into sub-camps. Three tribes on the east are led by Yehuda, three tribes on the south are in the camp of Reuven, three on the west under the banner of Ephraim, and the three on the north are led by Dan. In the center, the tribe of Levi travels along with the holy Mishkan.
“I’ve heard of birds flying in v-formation and seen fish swimming in large schools,” said TNS travel correspondent, Carl Carpetbagger, “but this is the first time I have heard of several million wanderers keeping such a coordinated convoy of caravans. This must be a world record!"
Although the Jewish people have been traveling in the desert for less than a year, these formations are part of an ancient tradition. The last time the Children of Israel traveled through the desert, they were carrying the coffin of their father, Israel (a.k.a. Yaakov). His 12 sons carried his coffin in this same formation. Apparently, some habits die hard.
