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.

When ye blow {H8628} an alarm {H8643} the second time {H8145}, then the camps {H4264} that lie {H2583} on the south side {H8486} shall take their journey {H5265}: they shall blow {H8628} an alarm {H8643} for their journeys {H4550}.

When you sound a second alarm, the camps to the south will set out; they will sound alarms to announce when to travel.

When you sound the short blasts a second time, the camps that lie on the south side are to set out. The blasts are to signal them to set out.

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

Commentary

Numbers 10:6 describes a specific signal given by the silver trumpets during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. This verse details the second "alarm" sound, which was the cue for the camps situated on the south side of the tabernacle to pack up and begin their journey. The verse reiterates that this alarm was specifically for their travels, emphasizing the precise and orderly nature of their movements under divine instruction.

Context

Chapter 10 of Numbers marks a pivotal point in the Israelite narrative: their departure from Mount Sinai, where they had encamped for nearly a year and received the Law. The preceding verses (Numbers 10:1-8) lay out meticulous instructions for the construction and use of two silver trumpets, which were to be used for various signals: assembling the congregation, summoning the leaders, and most importantly for this context, signaling the movement of the different tribal camps. The instruction for these trumpets is found earlier in the chapter, detailing their use for assembling the congregation, summoning leaders, and signaling movement, as seen beginning in Numbers 10:2. This specific 'second alarm' followed the signal for the camps on the east side to move out, as described in Numbers 10:5, illustrating a sequential and organized departure.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Guidance: The detailed instructions for the trumpet signals highlight God's meticulous planning and His desire for order within His people. He provided clear, unambiguous guidance for every stage of their journey. This meticulous planning underscores God's commitment to guide His people precisely through the wilderness.
  • Obedience to God's Signals: The success and safety of the journey depended entirely on the Israelites' prompt and accurate response to these divine signals. Their collective movement was an act of faith and obedience. The Israelites' journey required strict obedience to divine commands.
  • Communal Unity and Movement: The system ensured that the vast Israelite community, comprised of various tribes, moved together in a unified and coordinated manner, preventing chaos and ensuring everyone knew their role and timing.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "alarm" (KJV) or "blast" (ESV, NIV) is teruah (ืชึฐึผืจื•ึผืขึธื”). This term signifies a loud shout, a battle cry, or a trumpet blast used for signaling, often with an urgent or declarative purpose. It's not a gentle note but a distinct, attention-grabbing sound designed to elicit an immediate response. In this context, it was a signal for immediate action โ€“ to break camp and move forward.

Practical Application

While we no longer hear literal trumpet alarms, Numbers 10:6 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Seeking Divine Direction: Just as God precisely guided Israel, He desires to guide our lives. We are called to listen for His "signals" through His Word, prayer, and the counsel of wise believers.
  • Readiness to Move: Life often requires us to be ready for transitions and new phases. This verse encourages a posture of preparedness to obey God's call to move, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
  • Order in Our Lives: God is a God of order, not confusion. This verse reminds us of the value of structure, discipline, and intentionality in our spiritual walks and communal interactions.
  • Trusting God's Timing: The specific sequence of alarms indicates divine timing. We learn to trust that God's timing for our "journeys" and transitions is perfect, even if it requires patience or immediate action.
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 2:10 (3 votes)

    On the south side [shall be] the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben [shall be] Elizur the son of Shedeur.

  • Numbers 2:16 (3 votes)

    All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben [were] an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.

  • Numbers 10:18 (3 votes)

    And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host [was] Elizur the son of Shedeur.