During their journeys across the wilderness, the twelve tribes formed encampments at the different places where they halted (Exodus 16:13; Numbers 2:3). The diagram here given shows the position of the different tribes and the form of the encampment during the wanderings, according to Numbers 1:53; 2:2-31; 3:29,35,38; 10:13-28.

The area of the camp would be in all about 3 square miles. After the Hebrews entered Palestine, the camps then spoken of were exclusively warlike (Joshua 11:5,7; Judges 5:19,21; 7:1; 1 Samuel 29:1; 30:9, etc.).

CAMP, n.

1. The ground on which an army pitch their tents, whether for a night or a longer time.

2. The order or arrangement of tents, or disposition of an army, for rest; as, to pitch a camp. Also, the troops encamped on the same field.

3. An army.

CAMP, v.t. or I. To rest or lodge, as an army, usually in tents; to pitch a camp; to fix tents; but seldom used. See Encamp.

[ENCAMPMENT]