Numbers 10:3 - The Two Silver Trumpets

Audio Bible

Context

The Two Silver Trumpets
…2“Make two trumpets of hammered silver to be used for calling the congregation and for having the camps set out. 3When both are sounded, the whole congregation is to assemble before you at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 4But if only one is sounded, then the leaders, the heads of the clans of Israel, are to gather before you.…

Cross References

Exodus 19:13
No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows—whether man or beast, he must not live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain.”Leviticus 23:24
“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts.Joshua 6:5
And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and all your people will charge straight into the city.”2 Chronicles 13:12
Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with their trumpets sound the battle call against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.”Nehemiah 4:20
Wherever you hear the sound of the horn, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us!”Psalm 81:3
Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast.Psalm 98:6
With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.Isaiah 18:3
All you people of the world and dwellers of the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it; when a ram’s horn sounds, you will hear it.Jeremiah 4:5
Announce in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: “Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land. Cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble yourselves and let us flee to the fortified cities.’Joel 2:1
Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near—Zephaniah 1:16
a day of horn blast and battle cry against the fortified cities, and against the high corner towers.Matthew 24:31
And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.1 Corinthians 14:8
Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle?1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise.Revelation 1:10
On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,

Jeremiah 4:5
Declare ye in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities.

Joel 2:15,16
Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: …

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Numbers 10

When both are sounded
The use of trumpets in ancient Israel served as a means of communication, particularly in the context of the wilderness journey. The sounding of both trumpets indicated a significant event or command, emphasizing the importance of the message. Trumpets were often made of silver, as instructed in Numbers 10:2, symbolizing purity and redemption. The dual sounding could represent the unity and completeness of the message being conveyed to the Israelites.

the whole congregation is to assemble
The congregation refers to the entire assembly of the Israelites, highlighting the communal aspect of their worship and obedience. This gathering underscores the importance of collective action and unity among God's people. The assembly of the congregation is a recurring theme in the Pentateuch, where the people come together for worship, instruction, or to receive divine commands. This practice foreshadows the New Testament church, where believers gather as one body in Christ.

before you
The phrase "before you" indicates the leadership role of Moses and Aaron, who were responsible for guiding the people according to God's instructions. This leadership structure is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate leader and shepherd of His people. The positioning "before you" also signifies respect and order within the community, as the people present themselves before their leaders.

at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites. The entrance to the Tent of Meeting was a sacred space where God communicated with Moses and where significant religious activities took place. This location symbolizes access to God and the importance of approaching Him with reverence. The Tent of Meeting is a precursor to the temple in Jerusalem and ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who is the true Tabernacle, dwelling among us and providing access to the Father.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received instructions from God on how to lead the people during their journey through the wilderness.

2. The Israelites
The congregation of God's chosen people, who were journeying from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land.

3. The Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, this was the sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites. It served as the central place of worship and guidance.

4. The Trumpets
Two silver trumpets were used to signal the congregation for various purposes, including assembling the people and directing their movements.

5. The Wilderness Journey
The context of this passage is the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, guided by God's presence and instructions.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Assembly
Gathering together as a community of believers is vital for worship, instruction, and encouragement. Just as the Israelites assembled at the Tent of Meeting, Christians are called to gather regularly for worship and fellowship.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' role in leading the assembly highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding and directing the congregation. Leaders today are called to seek God's guidance and lead with integrity.

The Significance of Obedience
The Israelites' response to the trumpet call demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's instructions. Believers are called to listen and respond to God's Word with promptness and faithfulness.

The Symbolism of the Trumpet
The trumpet serves as a symbol of God's call to His people. In the New Testament, the trumpet is associated with the return of Christ, reminding believers to be ready and attentive to God's call.

The Centrality of Worship
The Tent of Meeting as the focal point for assembly underscores the centrality of worship in the life of God's people. Worship should be at the heart of the Christian community, drawing believers closer to God and each other.

Verse 3. - When they shall blow with them, i.e., with both of them. All the assembly, i.e., by their natural or customary representatives. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

When both are sounded,
וְתָקְע֖וּ (wə·ṯā·qə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8628: To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman

the whole
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

congregation
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה (hā·‘ê·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage

is to assemble
וְנֽוֹעֲד֤וּ (wə·nō·w·‘ă·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3259: To fix upon, to meet, to summon, to direct, to engage

before
אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

you at
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the entrance
פֶּ֖תַח (pe·ṯaḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way

to the Tent
אֹ֥הֶל (’ō·hel)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 168: A tent

of Meeting.
מוֹעֵֽד׃ (mō·w·‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting

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Numbers 10:3 Catholic BibleOT Law: Numbers 10:3 When they blow them all the congregation (Nu Num.)