The children of Israel encamping in array typifies God’s redeemed people being consummated in the New Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem has twelve gates, three gates on each of the four sides, with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on them (Rev. 21:12-13). In Numbers the twelve tribes were arranged into an array, in which three tribes, each tribe being an army, were encamped on each of the four sides of the tabernacle (vv. 2-31). Four camps of three armies each yields the number twelve. This number, composed of three multiplied by four, signifies the Triune God (three) mingled with His creatures (four), forming a unit of eternal and perfect government (cf. note Rev. 21:122b).