Numbers 10
-The LORD spoke to Moses further telling him to make two trumpets
of silver for the use of summoning the congregation together and having the
camps set out (Numbers 10:1-2). When both were blown at the same time, the
congregation knew it was time for all to assemble before Moses, their leader
and servant of God. They knew that they were to gather at the doorway of the
tent of meeting (Numbers 10:3). If only one trumpet was blown, just the leaders
of the tribes were to assemble before Moses. Alarm sound instructions were
given by these trumpets. They were to be perpetually blown in time of emergency
by the priestly sons of Aaron throughout the generations of the Hebrew people
(Numbers 10:4-8). In time of war in their land against the adversary who attacks,
they were told to sound the alarm with these trumpets, “that you may be remembered
before the LORD your God, and be saved from your enemies (Numbers 10:9).” Also,
in their days of gladness, appointed feasts, and on the first days of the
months, the trumpets were to be blown over their burnt offerings, sacrifices of
their peace offerings, and as a reminder that the LORD was their God (Numbers
10:10).
-Verse eleven is a marker point in that it begins the Hebrew
people’s first setting their sights on the Promised Land. “In the second year,
in the second month, on the twentieth of the month, the cloud was lifted from
over the tabernacle of the testimony (Numbers 10:11).” This is when the sons of
Israel first set out on their journeys from the wilderness of Sinai, and the
cloud of the LORD settled down in the wilderness of Paran, which was further
north (Numbers 10:12-13). They moved out in their standards, in perfect order,
as commanded by the LORD (Numbers 10:14-28). There is a brief narrative here
concerning Moses’ plea for his father-in-law, Hobab, to come and be blessed
with them in the way. He was knowledgeable of this region’s terrain as far as
safe places to camp and he would be their eyes. Moses promised him good fortune
if he would come, since he initially wanted to return back to his own land and
relatives. Apparently, he was convinced to stay with the chosen people of God,
as verse 33 indicates that “they” set out together a three days’ journey, with
the ark of the covenant of the LORD before them. Then they found a resting
place (Numbers 10:29-33). The cloud was always over them as they set out from
the camp. “Then it came about when the ark set out that Moses said, ‘Rise up, O
LORD! And let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before
You (from Your presence).’ When it came to rest, he said, ‘Return, O LORD, to
the myriad thousands of Israel (Numbers 10:34-36).’”
-*Application* The sojourn of life is never easy. We too
need the trumpets of the Holy Spirit to gather us, protect us, and guide us. His
presence is what we really need in this life when we go to war against the
adversary who attacks. The Bible says to “resist the devil and He will flee
from you (James 4:7).” Our God can save us from every enemy, just as He did
with the Hebrew people in the wilderness. Call out to him today like Moses did,
“Rise up, O LORD! And let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You
flee before You!” The LORD is still our ultimate solace in this wicked age in
which we live.
-*Application 2* We see the power of a compliment too in
this passage. Let people know what they are worth often. Appreciate what they
offer and give them props. When people know they are valued, they will want to
stick with you and go where you are going.
Verses to Memorize:
Numbers 10:9, 35
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