In verses 14-28 the four Israelite camps set out in the order that follows the instructions in chapter 2. Good News Translation indicates that they followed this order each time they set out by beginning verse 14 with “and each time they moved, they were in the same order.” Even though these two clauses do not occur in the Hebrew text, some languages may want to include this implied information.

The standard of the camp of the men of Judah set out first by their companies …: The instructions concerning the camp of Judah in 2.3-9 (see the comments there) are carried out in verses 14-16. Of course, not just the standard (see 1.52) or “banner” (Good News Translation) itself set out, but the three tribes under this banner. Good News Translation makes this explicit by rendering The standard of the camp of the men of Judah as “Those under the banner of the division led by the tribe of Judah,” and so does Chewa with “those following the standard of the clan of Judah.” The camp … of Judah included the tribes of Judah, Issachar and Zebulun, which camped on the east side of the Tabernacle (2.3). Set out first (see 2.9) refers to a repetitive action; it is not just about one change of camp but about many. Set out may be rendered “moved off” (Revised English Bible), “journeyed further,” or “marched” (Contemporary English Version). The translation of this verb should fit the context of a camp, that is, a place where temporary, protective shelters/tents are located. By their companies is literally “by their troops” (see the comments on 1.3). Chewa translates “group by group.”

And over their host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab: See 1.7 and 2.3. Host renders the same Hebrew word (tsavaʾ) as companies, but in the singular (see 2.4). In some languages it will be unnecessary to render this word explicitly; for example, Good News Translation translates this clause as “with Nahshon son of Amminadab in command,” and Chewa has “and their leader was Nahshon….”

And over the host of the tribe of the men of Issachar was Nethanel the son of Zuar: See 1.8 and 2.5. A tribe (matteh in Hebrew) was the largest social unit in the nation. It was composed of several clans, which, in turn, were composed of several families (see 1.4).

And over the host of the tribe of the men of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon: See 1.9 and 2.7.

Quoted with permission from de Regt, Lénart J. and Wendland, Ernst R. A Handbook on Numbers. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .