Numbers 10:5

When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward.

When ye blow {H8628} an alarm {H8643}, then the camps {H4264} that lie {H2583} on the east parts {H6924} shall go forward {H5265}.

"When you sound an alarm, the camps to the east will commence traveling.

When you sound short blasts, the camps that lie on the east side are to set out.

And when ye blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall take their journey.

Commentary

Numbers 10:5 details a specific instruction regarding the use of the silver trumpets during the Israelite encampment and their subsequent journeys through the wilderness. This verse outlines the precise signal for the first division of tribes to begin their march.

Context

Following the detailed instructions for the construction and dedication of the Tabernacle and the meticulous organization of the twelve tribes around it (as described in Numbers chapter 2), Numbers chapter 10 marks a pivotal moment: the Israelites' departure from Mount Sinai. God had previously commanded Moses to make two silver trumpets (Numbers 10:2) for various purposes: summoning the assembly, signaling the breaking of camp, and sounding alarms. Verse 5 specifies the trumpet blast for the initial movement, indicating a highly organized and disciplined departure for a vast multitude, preparing for their wilderness journey.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Guidance: This verse highlights God's meticulous planning for His people's journey. Every aspect of their movement, from the signals to the marching order, was divinely ordained, ensuring cohesion and preventing chaos among potentially millions of people. It reflects God's desire for order, not confusion.
  • Obedience to God's Signals: The effectiveness of the system relied entirely on the Israelites' prompt and collective obedience to the trumpet calls. It underscores the vital importance of heeding God's specific instructions for progress in their spiritual journey.
  • Structure and Discipline: The precise command for the "camps that lie on the east parts" (specifically, the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, as per Numbers 2:3-9) to move first demonstrates the rigid, yet necessary, military-like discipline required for such a large-scale migration.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "blow an alarm" comes from the Hebrew word teru'ah (ืชึฐึผืจื•ึผืขึธื”). This is not merely a soft summons but a loud, sharp, and often prolonged blast, typically signaling an emergency, a battle cry, or, as here, a decisive command to set out. It implies urgency and a definitive call to action, distinguishing it from the simpler summons blast (teqi'ah) mentioned in earlier verses (Numbers 10:3-4).

Practical Application

For believers today, Numbers 10:5 serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire for order and clarity in our lives and in the church. Just as the Israelites waited for God's signal to move, we are called to discern and obey God's leading, whether it's a call to action, a change in direction, or a season of waiting. It emphasizes the importance of unity under divine leadership and the need for spiritual discipline to "press toward the mark" that God has set for us. Our spiritual journey, like Israel's, requires attentive listening and prompt obedience to the signals God provides, often through His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages us to move forward in faith when God gives the clear command.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 10:14

    In the first [place] went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host [was] Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

  • Numbers 2:3

    ยถ And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.

  • Numbers 2:9

    All that were numbered in the camp of Judah [were] an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth.

  • Joel 2:1

    ยถ Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand;

  • Isaiah 58:1

    ยถ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

  • Numbers 10:6

    When ye blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys.

  • Numbers 10:7

    But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
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