במדבר, פרק ב׳, פסוק י׳

The arrangement of the Israelite camps in the desert reflects a strict geographical and spiritual order, where every tribe's location carries profound meaning. Stationed in the southern part of the camp was the flag of the tribe of Reuben. This southern placement, which is conceptually associated with the right side [אבן עזרא], is highly intentional. The south symbolizes the concept of repentance, a defining trait of Reuben. The layout intentionally prioritizes his directional placement to highlight the greatness of his return to proper conduct [שפתי כהן].

Against the backdrop of his reputation for repentance, a strong perspective rejects the notion that Reuben ever committed a severe physical sin with his father's wife, maintaining instead that he observed all the Commandments perfectly. His actions stemmed entirely from a fierce loyalty to the honor of his mother, Leah. He reasoned that while his mother's sister had been a rival wife, it was unacceptable for his mother's maidservant to become one as well. A compelling proof of his innocence is his later presence on Mount Ebal during the public reading of the curses. One of those curses specifically targets a person who sleeps with his father's wife; Reuben would not have stood there had he been guilty of the act [שפתי כהן].

The positioning of the flags also illustrates the deep connection between the tribes and God. Reuben's southern camp bordered Judah's eastern camp. This physical proximity created a spiritual bond designed to unite the letters of God's name, thereby resting His Divine Presence within the camp [שפתי כהן].

Beyond Reuben's personal spiritual repair, the arrangement of his camp highlights themes of unity and peace among the tribes gathered under his flag. The tribe of Gad, which was stationed within Reuben's camp, accepted its position with deep humility. Although Gad was the firstborn of Zilpah, he did not resent that Dan, the firstborn of Bilhah, was granted leadership over his own flag, nor did he raise any complaints to Moses regarding the distribution of the camps. As a reward for this peaceful acceptance, the leader of the tribe of Gad is referred to here by the name Reuel, rather than Deuel as he is known elsewhere. This name change serves as a subtle hint that he became a "friend of God." Through his humility, he earned a close relationship with Moses, God's friend, and ultimately merited having Moses buried within his tribal territory [חומת אנך].