SCRIPTURE: NUMBERS 10
THE SILVER TRUMPETS (vs. 1-10)
Two trumpets are made of hammered silver used for calling the community together and for having the camp set out. When both are sounded, the whole community is to assemble before the Lord at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. If only one is sounded, the leaders – heads of the clans of Israel are to assemble before the Lord. At the sounding of first blast, the tribes camping on the east are to set out. At the sounding of a second blast, the camp on the south are to set out. The blowing of trumpet with different signals means to gather the assembly together. The priest will be the one to blow the trumpet.
When going into a battle against an enemy, sound the trumpet and the Lord will remember and rescue them. Also, at the appointed feast and New Festivals, sound the trumpet and use your Burnt Offering and Fellowship Offering as a memorial offering for you and the Lord.
THE ISRAELITES LEAVE SINAI (vs. 11-36)
The cloud lifted from above the Tabernacle of the Testimony and came to rest on the Desert of Paran.
THE SETTING OUT ACCORDING TO DIVISION / TRIBE / AND PERSON IN COMMAND:
- Division of Judah – Nahson / Tribe of Issachar – Nethanel / Tribe of Zebulun – Eliab (Gershonites & Merarites took the tabernacle, carried it and set out)
- Division of Reuben – Elizur / Tribe of Simeon – Shelumiel / Tribe of Gad – Eliasaph (Kohathites carried the holy things)
- Division of Ephraim – Elishama / Tribe of Manasseh – Gamaliel / Tribe of Benjamin – Abidan
- Division of Dan – Ahiezer / Tribe of Asher – Pagiel / Tribe of Naphtali – Ahira (March as the rear guard for all units)
Moses convinced his brother-in-law Hobab to accompany them as they set out. So they set out from the mountain of the Lord and traveled for 3 days. When the ark set out, Moses said: “Rise up, O Lard! May your enemies by scattered; may your foes flee before you” (v. 35). Whenever it came to rest, he would say: “Return O Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel” (v. 36)
THOUGHTS:
THE TRUMPETS WERE USED FOR SEVERAL PURPOSES:
- To assemble the camp at the door of the tabernacle.
- To call the heads of the tribes together,.
- To sound an alarm either for war or for the journeying of the camp.
- To announce the special days, new moons, etc.
- When God calls His heavenly people together during the rapture of the church.
Moses complimented Hobab’s wilderness skills and let him know that he was needed. We should know how to compliment and appreciate fellow workers in order to give encouragement and build lasting relationship.