The manner in which the Israelites encamped during their march through the wilderness is described in Numbers 2,3 . The order of the encampment (see Numbers 2:17 ), the signal for which was the blast of two silver trumpets. Detailed regulations affecting the camp for sanitary purposes are given (Leviticus 4:11,12; 6:11; 8:17; 10:4,5; 13:46; 14:3; Numbers 12:14,15; 31:19; Deuteronomy 23:10,12 ).
Criminals were executed without the camp (Leviticus 4:12; Compare John 19:17,20 ), and there also the young bullock for a sin-offering was burnt (Leviticus 24:14; Compare Hebrews 13:12 ).
In the subsequent history of Israel frequent mention is made of their encampments in the time of war (Judges 7:18; 1 Samuel 13:2,3,16,23; 17:3; 29:1; 30:9,24 ). The temple was sometimes called "the camp of the Lord" (2 Chronicles 31:2 , RSV; Compare Psalm 78:28 ). The multitudes who flocked to David are styled "a great host (i.e., "camp;" Heb. mahaneh), like the host of God" (1 Chronicles 12:22 ).