Numbers 10

Numbers 10 marks a significant transition for the Israelites as they move from being encamped at Mount Sinai towards the Promised Land. This chapter details the creation and use of silver trumpets to guide the congregation in their journey and for signaling during battle. It also recounts the first movement of the camp after their stay at Sinai, underscoring the order and structure God provided for His people’s journey through the wilderness.

Numbers 10:1-3 (NKJV)
1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
2 “Make two silver trumpets for yourself; you shall make them of hammered work; you shall use them for calling the congregation and for directing the movement of the camps.
3 When they blow both of them, all the congregation shall gather before you at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.

God instructed Moses to craft two silver trumpets, which were to be used for two main purposes: assembling the congregation and signaling when the tribes were to break camp. These trumpets played a critical role in organizing the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. The use of silver, a precious metal, emphasizes their sacred function, and their design with hammered work highlights the care and intentionality God desired for every aspect of His people's worship and guidance.

Numbers 10:4-6 (NKJV)
4 But if they blow only one, then the leaders, the heads of the divisions of Israel, shall gather to you.
5 When you sound the advance, the camps that lie on the east side shall then begin their journey.
6 When you sound the advance the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall begin their journey; they shall sound the call for them to begin their journeys.

If one trumpet was blown, only the leaders of the tribes were to gather. This ensured that the tribal heads received direction before the rest of the people. When it was time to move, the trumpets were also used to signal the tribes on the east side, and subsequently those on the south, to begin their journey. This ordered process illustrates God’s attention to organization, ensuring the orderly movement of His people without confusion.

Numbers 10:7-8 (NKJV)
7 And when the assembly is to be gathered together, you shall blow, but not sound the advance.
8 The sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets; and these shall be to you as an ordinance forever throughout your generations.

Here, Moses was given specific instructions on how the trumpets were to be used to gather the congregation for assembly, without the signal to move. Only the priests, the sons of Aaron, were given the responsibility of blowing the trumpets, marking this as a sacred duty. This practice was to be observed throughout Israel’s generations, signifying the continuity of God’s ordained order for worship and leadership.

Numbers 10:9-10 (NKJV)
9 When you go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the Lord your God, and you will be saved from your enemies.
10 Also in the day of your gladness, in your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be a memorial for you before your God: I am the Lord your God.

The trumpets also served a purpose in warfare and celebration. In times of battle, the sound of the trumpets would remind the people and invoke God’s remembrance, resulting in His intervention and salvation. During joyous occasions, such as feasts and offerings, the trumpets would be blown, symbolizing thanksgiving and God’s continual presence with His people. This ensured that both times of need and celebration were marked by divine acknowledgment and connection.

Numbers 10:11-13 (NKJV)
11 Now it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle of the Testimony.
12 And the children of Israel set out from the Wilderness of Sinai on their journeys; then the cloud settled down in the Wilderness of Paran.
13 So they started out for the first time according to the command of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

This section describes the moment when the Israelites began their journey from Sinai, following the cloud, which represented God’s presence. The specific date given emphasizes the exact timing of God’s leading. When the cloud lifted from the tabernacle, it was a signal to move, and the Israelites obediently set out, with the cloud leading them to the Wilderness of Paran, their next destination.

Numbers 10:14-16 (NKJV)
14 The standard of the camp of the children of Judah set out first according to their armies; over their army was Nahshon the son of Amminadab.
15 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethanel the son of Zuar.
16 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon.

The tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun led the way during the march. Each tribe had a designated leader and followed its standard, or banner, symbolizing the tribe's identity. Judah, being the tribe from which the Messiah would eventually come, was given the position of leadership in the order of march, setting the precedence for the rest to follow.

Numbers 10:17 (NKJV)
17 Then the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set out, carrying the tabernacle.

Once the first group of tribes had moved, the tabernacle was disassembled by the Gershonites and Merarites, who were tasked with carrying it. This underscores the sacredness of the tabernacle and the specific duties assigned to the Levites in handling the holy items. Their careful work allowed the tabernacle to accompany the people wherever God led them.

Numbers 10:18-21 (NKJV)
18 And the standard of the camp of Reuben set out according to their armies; over their army was Elizur the son of Shedeur.
19 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
20 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
21 Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. (The tabernacle would be prepared for their arrival.)

The next group to set out was the camp of Reuben, along with the tribes of Simeon and Gad. Following them, the Kohathites carried the holy items of the tabernacle, such as the ark and other sacred furniture. The tabernacle was already on its way with the Gershonites and Merarites, so it would be ready when the Kohathites arrived, maintaining a careful system of transportation for the holy items.

Numbers 10:22-24 (NKJV)
22 The standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set out according to their armies; over their army was Elishama the son of Ammihud.
23 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
24 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.

The next group to depart was the camp of Ephraim, which included the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin. These three tribes, descendants of Joseph and Rachel, followed in their assigned order, reflecting the careful organization of the tribes as they moved together, each with its leadership and standard.

Numbers 10:25-28 (NKJV)
25 Then the standard of the camp of the children of Dan (the rear guard of all the camps) set out according to their armies; over their army was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
26 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran.
27 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.
28 Thus was the order of march of the children of Israel, according to their armies, when they began their journey.

The final group to set out was the camp of Dan, designated as the rear guard to protect the back of the camp. The tribes of Asher and Naphtali followed as part of this group. The rear guard was an essential role to safeguard against any attacks from behind. This description highlights the precision and structure in how Israel moved, ensuring the safety and order of the entire congregation.

Numbers 10:29-32 (NKJV) Continued
29 Now Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, "We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, 'I will give it to you.' Come with us, and we will treat you well; for the Lord has promised good things to Israel."
30 And he said to him, "I will not go, but I will depart to my own land and to my relatives."
31 So Moses said, "Please do not leave, inasmuch as you know how we are to camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes.
32 And it shall be, if you go with us—indeed it shall be—that whatever good the Lord will do to us, the same we will do to you."

Moses invited Hobab, his brother-in-law, to accompany the Israelites on their journey, recognizing the wisdom and experience Hobab had in navigating the wilderness. Moses assured him that he would share in the blessings promised by God to Israel. Hobab initially declined, wishing to return to his own people, but Moses urged him to stay, emphasizing his value in guiding them through the wilderness. This passage shows Moses’ humility and reliance on practical help, even though Israel was under divine guidance.

Numbers 10:33-34 (NKJV)
33 So they departed from the mountain of the Lord on a journey of three days; and the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them for the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.
34 And the cloud of the Lord was above them by day when they went out from the camp.

The Israelites began their journey, leaving Mount Sinai where they had received God’s laws. The ark of the covenant led the way, symbolizing God’s presence and guidance. For three days, they traveled, and during this time, the cloud of the Lord hovered over them, signifying God’s protection and direction. The ark going ahead to search for a resting place highlights God’s care in providing both spiritual and practical needs during their journey.

Numbers 10:35-36 (NKJV)
35 So it was, whenever the ark set out, that Moses said: "Rise up, O Lord! Let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You."
36 And when it rested, he said: "Return, O Lord, to the many thousands of Israel."

Each time the ark of the covenant moved, Moses invoked God’s protection and victory over their enemies, declaring that those who opposed the Lord would be scattered. When the ark stopped, Moses invited God’s presence to dwell among the vast number of Israelites. These prayers reflect the deep reliance on God for both protection in their journeys and His abiding presence when they rested. It also emphasizes that God was their ultimate protector and guide throughout their wilderness experience.