In the desert, the Israelites found that strength, not just in their faith, but also in their organization, in their very banners.

"Each at his banner, with the insignias," says the verse. And Bamidbar Rabbah, a rabbinic commentary on the Book of Numbers, explores this idea, connecting it to the beautiful imagery of the Song of Songs (6:10): "Who is she who appears like dawn, fair like the moon, pure like the sun, formidable like banners?" What is the connection?

The Midrash suggests that the nations of the world looked upon Israel, arrayed with their banners, and were filled with wonder. "Who is she who appears…?" they exclaimed. They were so impressed that they beckoned, "Return, return, the Shulamite (Song of Songs 7:1); cleave to us, come to us, and we will make you governors, generals, commanders, lieutenants, commanders-in-chief. Return, return and we will gaze [neḥze] upon you." The nations were offering positions of power, trying to entice Israel to join them.

But what does "neḥze," meaning "we will gaze," really imply? The Midrash cleverly connects it to Yitro's advice to Moses (Exodus 18:21): "You shall seek [teḥze] from among all the people…and set over them as leaders." Here, teḥze, related to neḥze, speaks of authority, of leadership. So, the nations were offering Israel authority and a place among them.

But Israel, secure in their own identity and relationship with God, responds, "Why will you gaze at the Shulamite? What greatness are you according us? Is it perhaps like the dance of the camps?" (Song of Songs 7:1). In other words, can you offer us a greatness comparable to that which God has already bestowed upon us? Can you match the order and majesty of our encampments in the wilderness, each tribe under its own banner: "The banner of the camp of Judah" (Numbers 2:3), "the banner of the camp of Reuben" (Numbers 2:10), "the banner of the camp of Dan" (Numbers 2:25), "the banner of the camp of Ephraim" (Numbers 2:18)?

The Midrash continues, "Can you, perhaps, accord us [greatness] like the greatness that God accorded us in the wilderness, where we would sin and he would pardon us and say to us: 'Your camp shall be holy' (Deuteronomy 23:15)?" It wasn’t just about military strength or political power. It was about a unique covenant, a divine connection that set them apart. Even in moments of failing, God's presence, symbolized by the holiness of the camp, remained.

Even Bilam, the sorcerer hired to curse Israel, was affected by the sight of their organized encampment. The Midrash says that "his eye came out on their account" – an expression of extreme frustration – because he was unable to harm them. As Numbers 24:2 states, "Bilam lifted his eyes and he saw Israel dwelling according to its tribes." He recognized the power and protection inherent in their tribal structure. He began saying: ‘Who can touch these people, who know their ancestors and their families,’ as it is stated: “According to its tribes.”

So, what do we take away from all this? According to Bamidbar Rabbah, the banners represented more than just tribal affiliations; they symbolized greatness, protection, and a unique relationship with the Divine. They were a visible manifestation of Israel's identity and purpose. That is why it is stated: “Each at his banner.”

And it makes you wonder, doesn't it? What are our "banners" today? What are the symbols and structures that give us strength, identity, and a sense of belonging? Perhaps it’s our families, our communities, our values, or our shared traditions. Whatever they are, let us remember the lesson of the Israelites in the wilderness: that true strength lies not just in individual might, but in the power of unity and shared purpose, each under their own banner.