Numbers 10:7

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

But when the congregation {H6951} is to be gathered together {H6950}, ye shall blow {H8628}, but ye shall not sound an alarm {H7321}.

However, when the community is to be assembled, you are to sound; but don't sound an alarm.

To convene the assembly, you are to sound long blasts, not short ones.

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

Commentary

Numbers 10:7 is part of a larger passage (Numbers 10:1-10) detailing God's instructions to Moses regarding the use of two silver trumpets for various purposes in the Israelite camp during their wilderness journey. This specific verse emphasizes the importance of distinct trumpet sounds for different actions, preventing confusion within the vast congregation.

Context

Following the completion of the Tabernacle and the census, the Israelites were preparing for their organized journey from Mount Sinai. God provided meticulous instructions for their encampment, movement, and assembly. The making of two silver trumpets was commanded, and their specific sounds were designated for various purposes: calling leaders, moving different parts of the camp, and sounding an alarm for war. Numbers 10:7 highlights a crucial distinction: a plain, sustained blast was for gathering the entire assembly, clearly different from the broken, staccato blasts (the "alarm") used for breaking camp or signaling battle (Numbers 10:5-6).

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Communication: This verse underscores God's meticulous care in establishing order and clear communication within His people. Every instruction had a specific purpose, designed to prevent chaos and ensure smooth operation of the camp.
  • Distinction of Signals: The contrast between "blow" (a sustained blast) and "sound an alarm" (a broken, staccato sound) is vital. It teaches the importance of unambiguous communication, where different signals convey different meanings and call for distinct responses.
  • Obedience to Specific Instructions: The Israelites were required to follow God's commands precisely. Understanding and adhering to these specific trumpet calls was a matter of obedience and vital for the functioning of the community.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates two distinct Hebrew verbs:

  • "Blow" (תָּקַע - taqa'): This verb signifies a sustained, steady blast, often used for a call to assembly or a signal. It implies a clear, unifying sound.
  • "Sound an alarm" (הֵרִיעַ - heria'): This verb describes a broken, rapid, or staccato sound, typically used for a war cry, a shout of triumph, or a signal for urgent action or movement. It's a more agitated or urgent sound.
The contrast emphasizes that the sound for a general assembly of the entire congregation was to be calm and unifying, not one that would incite panic or signal immediate departure or conflict.

Practical Application

Numbers 10:7 offers timeless lessons for modern life and faith:

  • Clarity in Communication: Just as God provided clear signals, we are called to communicate clearly and unambiguously, especially in leadership or when conveying important instructions. Misunderstandings can arise from vague or poorly defined messages.
  • Discerning Different Calls: In our spiritual lives, it's important to discern God's different "calls." Is it a call to gather for worship and instruction, or a call to action, perhaps to stand firm against spiritual opposition? Understanding the nature of the call helps us respond appropriately.
  • Order and Unity: The verse highlights the importance of order within a community, whether a family, church, or organization. Clear signals and defined roles contribute to unity and effective functioning, avoiding chaos and confusion.

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Cross-References

  • Joel 2:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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;

  • Numbers 10:3 (2 votes)

    And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Numbers 10:4 (2 votes)

    And if they blow [but] with one [trumpet], then the princes, [which are] heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee.