Before. A special various reading called Sevir (App-34) reads "For the sons of".
Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Note the Figure of speech PolysyndetonApp-6), calling our attention to these three. They were descended from Rachel, and marched together in the rear (Num_2:18-22). As Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun marched in the van, the Ark (the symbol of God's presence) led them as a Shepherd (Psa_78:13-16, Psa_78:52-55. Joh_10:4, Joh_10:5).