Albert Barnes Commentary Numbers 10
Albert Barnes Commentary
Numbers 10
Albert Barnes Commentary
Numbers 10
"Make thee two trumpets of silver; of beaten work shalt thou make them: and thou shalt use them for the calling of the congregation, and for the journeying of the camps." — Numbers 10:2 (ASV)
The trumpet was a straight instrument, differing in this respect from the curved horn or cornet; and is represented among the other spoils of the temple on the Arch of Titus. See (Exodus 25:23). From Egyptian monuments it appears that the Jewish trumpet was copied from that used in the armies of the Pharaohs. The cornet was at first a simple ram’s horn (Joshua 6:4), and the metal instrument of later times preserved the original shape.
"And when ye blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall take their journey. 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." — Numbers 10:5-6 (ASV)
Blow an alarm - that is, a long continuous peal. Compare Numbers 10:7, ye shall blow, but not sound an alarm: that is, blow in short, sharp notes, not in a continuous peal. A third and a fourth alarm were probably blown as signals.
"And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets; and they shall be to you for a statute for ever throughout your generations." — Numbers 10:8 (ASV)
The sons of Aaron - As the trumpets were emblematic of the voice of God, the priests only were to use them. At this time there were only two “sons of Aaron;” but in later times, when the number of priests was greater, more trumpets were used; we read of seven in the times of Joshua and David (see the marginal references); and of a hundred and twenty in that of Solomon (2 Chronicles 5:12).
"And when ye go to war in your land against the adversary that oppresseth you, then ye shall sound an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before Jehovah your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies." — Numbers 10:9 (ASV)
For examples of the employment of trumpets in war, compare marginal references and (2 Chronicles 20:28). By their employment was signified the dependence of God’s people on His aid.
"Also in the day of your gladness, and in your set feasts, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow the trumpets over your burnt-offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace-offerings; and they shall be to you for a memorial before your God: I am Jehovah your God." — Numbers 10:10 (ASV)
In the day of your gladness - Compare Numbers 29:1; Leviticus 23:24; 2 Chronicles 29:27; Ezra 3:10; Nehemiah 12:35, Nehemiah 12:41; Psalms 81:3.
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