How were the twelve tribes arranged around the tabernacle?
The twelve tribes camped around the tabernacle in four groups of three. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun were on the east, the side of the gate. Reuben, Simeon, and Gad were on the south. Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin were on the west, and Dan, Asher, and Naphtali were on the north. Levi surrounded the tabernacle itself.
Les explains that the tabernacle was always set with the door or gate in the outer fence facing east. On the east were Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun; Judah always led when they journeyed. Reuben was the oldest, but he sinned, so God in His sovereignty brought Judah to the place Reuben should have enjoyed. Christ comes from Judah, and the scepter shall never leave Judah. On the south were Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. On the west were Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin. On the north were Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. Levi is not listed among the twelve but picks up the territory surrounding the whole tabernacle area.