We are rolling into Numbers chapter two with our word for today. נֶ֫גֶד that which is opposite, that which corresponds, in front of, before, opposite to, contrary, against, on the other side, apart, aloof, abreast. It is used 143 times in the Old Testament. Our word is used in the sense of similarity in appearance, character, or nature between persons or things. Genesis 2:18, 20 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper כְּנֶגְדּֽוֹ fit for him.” … The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper כְּנֶגְדּֽוֹ fit for him. Daniel 8:15 When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it. And behold, there stood לְנֶגְדִּ֖י before me one having the appearance of a man. Most of the uses of our word are used in the sense of to be in front of, facing. Genesis 33:12 Then Esau said, “Let us journey on our way, and I will go לְנֶגְדֶּֽךָ ahead of you.” This is how our word is used in our chapter today. Numbers 2:1-2 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers' houses. They shall camp מִנֶּ֕גֶדfacing the tent of meeting on every side. This is significant in that the people were to have the tabernacle in front of them. They were to orient where they set up their tent toward where God made himself known in a special way. God always calls his people to keep Him before them because of how important our relationship with God truly is. David is a good example of keeping God in front of him in his life. Psalm 16:8 I have set the Lord always לְנֶגְדִּ֣יbefore me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 18:22 For all his rules were לְנֶגְדִּ֑יbefore me, and his statutes I did not put away from me. Psalm 26:3 For your steadfast love is לְנֶ֣גֶדbefore my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 38:9 O Lord, all my longing is נֶגְדְּךָ֥before you; my sighing is not hidden from you. Psalm 52:8-9 I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, נֶ֣גֶדin the presence of the godly. I’ll close with this great Psalm. Notice the contrast between those who do not do this and David who does. Psalm 54:1-4 O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God לְנֶגְדָּ֣ם before themselves. Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.
