Numbers 10:1

Introduction

Moses is commanded to make two silver trumpets for calling the assembly, Num 10:1, Num 10:2. On what occasions these trumpets should be sounded. First, for calling the assembly to the door of the tabernacle, Num 10:3. Secondly, to summon the princes and captains of the thousands of Israel, Num 10:4. Thirdly, to make the eastern camps strike their tents, Num 10:5. Fourthly, to make those on the south do the like, Num 10:6. No alarm to be sounded when the congregation only is to be assembled, Num 10:7. The sons of Aaron alone shall sound these trumpets, it shall be a perpetual ordinance, Num 10:8. Fifthly, the trumpets are to be sounded in the time of war, Num 10:9. Sixthly, on festival occasions, Num 10:10 On the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, the Israelites began their journey from the wilderness of Sinai, and came to the wilderness of Paran, Num 10:11, Num 10:12. By the commandment of God to Moses the first division, at the head of which was the standard of Judah, marched, first, Num 10:13, Num 10:14. Under him followed the tribe of Issachar, Num 10:15; and after them the tribe of Zebulun, Num 10:16. Then the Gershonites and Merarites followed with the tabernacle, Num 10:17. At the head of the second division was the standard and camp of Reuben, Num 10:18; and under him were that of Simeon, Num 10:19; and that of Gad, Num 10:20. Next followed the Kohathites bearing the sanctuary, Num 10:21. Then followed the third division, at the head of which was the standard of the camp of Ephraim, Num 10:22; and under him Manasseh, Num 10:23; and Benjamin, Num 10:24. At the head of the fourth division was the standard of the camp of Dan, Num 10:25; and under him Asher, Num 10:26; and Naphtali, Num 10:27. This was their ordinary method of marching in the wilderness, Num 10:28. Moses entreats Hobab the Midianite to accompany them through the wilderness, Num 10:29. He refuses, Num 10:30. Moses continues and strengthens his entreaties with reasonings and promises, Num 10:31, Num 10:32. They depart from Sinai three days' journey, Num 10:33. The cloud accompanies them by day and night, Num 10:34. The words used by Moses when the ark set forward, Num 10:35, and when it rested, Num 10:36.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Here are directions concerning the public notices to be given the people by sound of trumpet. Their laws in every case were to be Divine, therefore, even in this matter Moses is directed. These trumpets typify the preached gospel. It sounds an alarm to sinners, calls them to repent, proclaims liberty to the captives and slaves of Satan, and collects the worshippers of God. It directs and encourages their heavenly journey; stirs them up to combat against the world and sin, encouraging them with the assurance of victory. It leads their attention to the sacrifice of Christ, and shows the Lord's presence for their protection. It is also necessary that the gospel trumpet give a distinct sound, according to the persons addressed, or the end proposed; whether to convince, humble, console, exhort, reprove, or teach. The sounding of the trumpet of the gospel is God's ordinance, and demands the attention of all to whom it is sent. (Nu 10:11-28)

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain