Numbers 10:1 - Meaning and Application

Here God gives directions for the public signals that were to be made to the people by trumpet. At first, this might seem like a small matter that Moses could figure out on his own. But Israel’s whole life was meant to be shaped by God’s word, so even this detail came from him.

Moses is told, first, how the trumpets should be made. They were to be made of silver, and some read the command as meaning they were to be hammered out rather than cast. The material and shape were both well suited for their use. He was told to make only two, because there were only two priests to use them, but later, in Solomon’s day, 120 priests blew trumpets together (2 Chronicles 5:12). These trumpets were probably shaped much like trumpets used today.

Next, God says who should use them, not just anyone, but the priests, the sons of Aaron, Eli’s priestly line (Numbers 10:8). High as their office was, they were not too important to serve as trumpeters in God’s house. Even the lowest task there was honorable. This also pointed ahead to the Lord’s ministers, who should lift up their voice like a trumpet, showing people their sins (Isaiah 58:1) and calling them to Christ (Isaiah 27:13).

Then God explains when the trumpets were to sound. First, they were for calling assemblies together (Numbers 10:2). In the same way, people were told to blow the trumpet in Zion to call a solemn assembly and set apart a fast (Joel 2:15). Public notice should be given for worship, because the invitation to God’s ordinances is open to all, whoever will come. Wisdom still cries out in the busiest places, calling people to listen.

The trumpet had to give a clear sound, so the people would know what was meant. If only the princes and elders were to meet, one trumpet was enough, since leaders should be quick to do good. But if all the people were to gather, both trumpets were to sound, so the call could be heard farther away. This fits with the blessing of hearing the joyful sound, meaning the call to attend God’s public worship (Psalm 89:15; Psalm 122:1). It also points ahead to the great day, when the whole world will be summoned by the archangel’s trumpet (Matthew 24:31).

Second, the trumpets were for moving the camps, so each group would know when to march. No human voice could carry far enough to give the command. In this way, well-trained soldiers among us might be directed by drumbeat. When the trumpets were used for marching, they were to sound an alarm, a broken and lively note that stirred the people as they moved toward danger or battle (Numbers 10:5). A steady, even sound was better for gathering the people together (Numbers 10:7). Yet when the people were called to seek mercy in hard times, an alarm was also sounded (Joel 2:1).

At the first trumpet blast, Judah’s camp moved. At the second, Reuben’s. At the third, Ephraim’s. At the fourth, Dan’s (Numbers 10:5-6). Some think this also honored their journey, because the priests, as God’s messengers to the people, were not only announcing God’s command to move but also his blessing on their movement. King Abijah of Judah, who trusted in God’s support, spoke of this confidence when he said that God was with them and his priests had trumpets (2 Chronicles 13:12). That was a bold way of saying that God was truly their leader.

Third, the trumpets were to strengthen and encourage the armies when they went out to battle (Numbers 10:9). When they went to war, the people were to blow the trumpets as a way of appealing to heaven for help and asking God to decide the matter. God promised to notice this and to remember his people. He would take note of the trumpet blast and act for them, and the people should also take courage from it as they fought his battles. David later heard a sound in the tops of the mulberry trees and knew God was moving ahead of him.

This does not mean God needed to be awakened by trumpets, any more than Christ needed to be awakened by his disciples during the storm (Matthew 8:25). But when God means to show mercy, he often wants his people to ask for it. In the same way, ministers should stir up the good soldiers of Jesus Christ to fight bravely against sin, the world, and the devil, assuring them that Christ is the captain who brings them salvation and will soon crush Satan under their feet.

Fourth, the trumpets were used to honor their holy feasts (Matthew 8:10). One feast was even called a memorial of trumpet blowing (Leviticus 23:23, and following). It seems they were also to mark all their feasts this way (Psalm 81:3) and their sacrifices (2 Chronicles 29:27). This showed how much joy and gladness should attend their worship, and it lifted the hearts of the worshipers into holy joy in God. Their offerings became a memorial before God, because he is pleased with our worship when we are pleased to offer it. Holy work should be done with holy joy.