Numbers 10: A Symphony of Signals and the Start of a Journey
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee.
When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward.
When ye blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys.
But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.
And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.
Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the Lord your God.
And it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony.
And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.
And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon.
And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.
And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.
And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.
And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.
Thus were the journeyings of the children of Israel according to their armies, when they set forward.
And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses’ father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel.
And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.
And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.
And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.
And they departed from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey: and the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them in the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them.
And the cloud of the Lord was upon them by day, when they went out of the camp.
And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee.
And when it rested, he said, Return, O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel.
Numbers 10 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey. After nearly a year encamped at Sinai, God initiates their departure towards the Promised Land. This chapter details not only the practical logistics of organizing a massive population but also reveals the spiritual significance of God's presence and guidance.
The Silver Trumpets: A Call to Action (Numbers 10:1-10)
To maintain order and communicate effectively with over two million people, God instructed Moses to make two silver trumpets. These weren't mere noisemakers; they were instruments of divine communication. Different blasts signaled different actions: a call for the entire congregation to assemble at the tabernacle, a summons for the leaders, or a signal to break camp and move (Numbers 10:2-5).
The priests, specifically designated to blow these trumpets (Numbers 10:8), served as the official communicators of God's directives. The sound of the trumpet in battle was particularly significant. It served as a powerful reminder that the LORD was going before them, ready to deliver them from their enemies (Numbers 10:9). Imagine the courage and confidence that surged through the Israelite ranks upon hearing that sound!
Beyond military applications, the trumpets were also integrated into Israel's sacrificial system and festivals (Numbers 10:10). These auditory reminders reinforced the central truth that the Lord alone was their God. The trumpets served as a constant, audible declaration of God's sovereignty and presence in every aspect of their lives.
From Sinai to Kadesh: The Journey Begins (Numbers 10:11-28)
The momentous day arrived when the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, signaling God's command to break camp and journey towards Canaan (Numbers 10:11). After almost a year at Sinai, it was time to move. The cloud's first stop was the Wilderness of Paran, a vast and unforgiving landscape (Numbers 10:12).
The Israelites marched in the same organized manner previously established (Numbers 2:3-31). Judah led the way, followed by Issachar and Zebulun (Numbers 10:14-16). The tabernacle was then dismantled and carried by the Gershonites and Merarites (Numbers 10:17).
The second division, consisting of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, followed the Levites (Numbers 10:18-21). Crucially, the Kohathites carried the holy objects, ensuring that the tabernacle was already set up before the ark of the covenant, the altars, and the sacred utensils arrived. This careful planning demonstrated the reverence and respect due to God's presence.
The remaining tribes, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, formed the third division (Numbers 10:22-24), while Dan, Asher, and Naphtali brought up the rear as a rearguard (Numbers 10:25-28). Moses summarized this impressive procession: "This was the order of march for the Israelites by their military divisions" (Numbers 10:28). What an awe-inspiring sight it must have been!
Moses and Hobab: Seeking Guidance (Numbers 10:29-32)
Recognizing the challenges of navigating the wilderness, Moses invited Hobab, his brother-in-law, to join them on their journey and share in the blessings (Numbers 10:29). Although Hobab initially declined, preferring to return home (Numbers 10:30), Moses persisted, emphasizing Hobab's familiarity with the region. Moses hoped to leverage Hobab's knowledge to find the best routes through the harsh and dangerous terrain (Numbers 10:31-32). This highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel and recognizing the value of different perspectives.
The Ark Leads the Way: God's Presence and Protection (Numbers 10:33-36)
The Israelites embarked on a three-day journey with the ark of the LORD's covenant leading the way, seeking a resting place for them (Numbers 10:33). The ark symbolized God's very presence among them. It served as His throne, with God dwelling above it, between the cherubim (see 1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 6:2; Psalm 80:1; 99:1; Isaiah 37:16). The cloud, visible by day, further demonstrated God's guidance and protection (Numbers 10:34).
Whenever the ark set out, Moses would proclaim a prayer, essentially a war cry, calling on the Lord to scatter His enemies and cause those who hated Him to flee (Numbers 10:35). These words served as a reminder that conflict lay ahead. They would face opposition from forces that despised the Lord and, consequently, His people. This echoes the experience of Christians today, who should not expect acceptance from a world that rejects God. As Jesus said, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18).
When the ark came to rest, Moses would call upon God to return to the countless thousands of Israel, requesting His comforting presence and protection (Numbers 10:36). This reflects the constant need for God's reassurance and care throughout the journey. Numbers 10 serves as a powerful reminder that with God's guidance, presence, and protection, even the most challenging journeys can be undertaken with confidence and hope.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee.
When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward.
When ye blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys.
But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.
And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.
Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the Lord your God.
And it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony.
And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.
And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon.
And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.
And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.
And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.
And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran.
And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.
Thus were the journeyings of the children of Israel according to their armies, when they set forward.
And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses’ father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel.
And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.
And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.
And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.
And they departed from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey: and the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them in the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them.
And the cloud of the Lord was upon them by day, when they went out of the camp.
And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee.
And when it rested, he said, Return, O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel.
Numbers 10 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey. After nearly a year encamped at Sinai, God initiates their departure towards the Promised Land. This chapter details not only the practical logistics of organizing a massive population but also reveals the spiritual significance of God's presence and guidance.
The Silver Trumpets: A Call to Action (Numbers 10:1-10)
To maintain order and communicate effectively with over two million people, God instructed Moses to make two silver trumpets. These weren't mere noisemakers; they were instruments of divine communication. Different blasts signaled different actions: a call for the entire congregation to assemble at the tabernacle, a summons for the leaders, or a signal to break camp and move (Numbers 10:2-5).
The priests, specifically designated to blow these trumpets (Numbers 10:8), served as the official communicators of God's directives. The sound of the trumpet in battle was particularly significant. It served as a powerful reminder that the LORD was going before them, ready to deliver them from their enemies (Numbers 10:9). Imagine the courage and confidence that surged through the Israelite ranks upon hearing that sound!
Beyond military applications, the trumpets were also integrated into Israel's sacrificial system and festivals (Numbers 10:10). These auditory reminders reinforced the central truth that the Lord alone was their God. The trumpets served as a constant, audible declaration of God's sovereignty and presence in every aspect of their lives.
From Sinai to Kadesh: The Journey Begins (Numbers 10:11-28)
The momentous day arrived when the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, signaling God's command to break camp and journey towards Canaan (Numbers 10:11). After almost a year at Sinai, it was time to move. The cloud's first stop was the Wilderness of Paran, a vast and unforgiving landscape (Numbers 10:12).
The Israelites marched in the same organized manner previously established (Numbers 2:3-31). Judah led the way, followed by Issachar and Zebulun (Numbers 10:14-16). The tabernacle was then dismantled and carried by the Gershonites and Merarites (Numbers 10:17).
The second division, consisting of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, followed the Levites (Numbers 10:18-21). Crucially, the Kohathites carried the holy objects, ensuring that the tabernacle was already set up before the ark of the covenant, the altars, and the sacred utensils arrived. This careful planning demonstrated the reverence and respect due to God's presence.
The remaining tribes, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, formed the third division (Numbers 10:22-24), while Dan, Asher, and Naphtali brought up the rear as a rearguard (Numbers 10:25-28). Moses summarized this impressive procession: "This was the order of march for the Israelites by their military divisions" (Numbers 10:28). What an awe-inspiring sight it must have been!
Moses and Hobab: Seeking Guidance (Numbers 10:29-32)
Recognizing the challenges of navigating the wilderness, Moses invited Hobab, his brother-in-law, to join them on their journey and share in the blessings (Numbers 10:29). Although Hobab initially declined, preferring to return home (Numbers 10:30), Moses persisted, emphasizing Hobab's familiarity with the region. Moses hoped to leverage Hobab's knowledge to find the best routes through the harsh and dangerous terrain (Numbers 10:31-32). This highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel and recognizing the value of different perspectives.
The Ark Leads the Way: God's Presence and Protection (Numbers 10:33-36)
The Israelites embarked on a three-day journey with the ark of the LORD's covenant leading the way, seeking a resting place for them (Numbers 10:33). The ark symbolized God's very presence among them. It served as His throne, with God dwelling above it, between the cherubim (see 1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 6:2; Psalm 80:1; 99:1; Isaiah 37:16). The cloud, visible by day, further demonstrated God's guidance and protection (Numbers 10:34).
Whenever the ark set out, Moses would proclaim a prayer, essentially a war cry, calling on the Lord to scatter His enemies and cause those who hated Him to flee (Numbers 10:35). These words served as a reminder that conflict lay ahead. They would face opposition from forces that despised the Lord and, consequently, His people. This echoes the experience of Christians today, who should not expect acceptance from a world that rejects God. As Jesus said, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18).
When the ark came to rest, Moses would call upon God to return to the countless thousands of Israel, requesting His comforting presence and protection (Numbers 10:36). This reflects the constant need for God's reassurance and care throughout the journey. Numbers 10 serves as a powerful reminder that with God's guidance, presence, and protection, even the most challenging journeys can be undertaken with confidence and hope.