Trumpet Signals (Numbers 10)

Did trumpets have great significance in ancient Israel, and will they again have great meaning at Christ’s return? Should our pilgrimage be systematic or disorderly? Let’s examine Numbers 10.

What were God’s purposes for trumpets in ancient Israel?

Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Make two trumpets of silver. You shall make them of beaten work. You shall use them for the calling of the congregation, and for the journeying of the camps. When they blow them, all the congregation shall gather themselves to you at the door of the Tent of Meeting. If they blow just one, then the princes, the heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves to you. When you blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall go forward. When you blow an alarm the second time, the camps that lie on the south side shall go forward. They shall blow an alarm for their journeys. But when the assembly is to be gathered together, you shall blow, but you shall not sound an alarm. (Numbers 10:1-7 WEB)

What other reasons did God appoint for the trumpets?

Aaron’s sons the priests will blow the trumpets. This will be a permanent regulation for you throughout time. When you go to war in your land against an enemy who is attacking you, you will blow short blasts with the trumpets so that you may be remembered by the Lord your God and be saved from your enemies. On your festival days, your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you will blow the trumpets over your entirely burned offerings and your well-being sacrifices. They will serve as a reminder of you to your God. I am the Lord your God. (Numbers 10:8-10 CEB)

Which three tribes led by Judah set out when they broke camp?

On the twentieth day of the second month of that same year, the cloud over the sacred tent moved on. So the Israelites broke camp and left the Sinai Desert. And some time later, the cloud stopped in the Paran Desert. This was the first time the Lord had told Moses to command the people of Israel to move on. Judah and the tribes that camped alongside it marched out first, carrying their banner. Nahshon son of Amminadab was the leader of the Judah tribe, Nethanel son of Zuar was the leader of the Issachar tribe, and Eliab son of Helon was the leader of the Zebulun tribe. (Numbers 10:11-16 CEV)

Which two Levite tribes then set out followed by what three tribes led by Reuben?

And when the tabernacle was taken down, the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who carried the tabernacle, set out. And the standard of the camp of Reuben set out by their companies, and over their company was Elizur the son of Shedeur. And over the company of the tribe of the people of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. And over the company of the tribe of the people of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel. (Numbers 10:17-20 ESV)

Which was the final tribe of Levi to set out then followed by what three tribes led by Ephraim?

The Kohathites then set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival. Next the military divisions of the camp of Ephraim with their banner set out, and Elishama son of Ammihud was over Ephraim’s division. Gamaliel son of Pedahzur was over the division of the tribe of Manasseh, and Abidan son of Gideoni was over the division of the tribe of Benjamin. (Numbers 10:21-24 HCSB)

Which three tribes led by Dan set out the last to break camp?

Then the standard of the camp of Dan set out, functioning as the rear guard for all the encampments, accompanied by its army with Ammishaddai’s son Ahiezer. Ochran’s son Pagiel was in charge of the tribe of Asher. Enan’s son Ahira was in charge of the tribe of Naphtali. This was the travel order for the Israelis, whenever their companies traveled. (Numbers 10:25-28 ISV)

How did Moses persuade his father-in-law to travel with them?

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. (Numbers 10:29-32 KJV)