We cannot get away
from the fact that God is not only orderly and logical but also full
of wisdom. Truly, the wisdom of God has no limit. This has been
so evident throughout the Bible. Here in Numbers 10:1-10, the passage before
us, we will see His wisdom being affirmed. At this time, the total population
of Israel would be roughly around two and a half to three million. So far, we
have seen God, through Moses, preparing the people and getting them ready for
the march forward. Without a doubt, to move such a massive amount of people
would require discipline, organization, and great coordination. In days where
there was no internet nor cell phones nor walky-talky, communication with
everyone would be doubly challenging. So in Numbers 10:1-8, we learn how God
came up with a system of communication that could move the people and called
them to act in an orderly, disciplined, and coordinated way.
God instructed Moses to have two silver trumpets made. These trumpets were used by the priests to rally the people or to signal the time to break camp. Whenever both the trumpets were blown, it was a signal for the whole congregation to assemble at the entrance of the tent of meeting. When only one trumpet was blown, it was a signal for only the heads of the divisions of Israel to meet. The trumpets would also be used to sound an alarm to signal which side of the camp should move first and which second.
Verses 8-10 tell us that more than just temporary signaling devices, Moses was told that those trumpets were also to be used for a “permanent statute for you throughout your generations.” When their journey had completed and they had entered the promised land, these trumpets would be used for two specific purposes: for warfare and for worship. The first purpose is indicated in verse 9. It says, “And when you go to war in your land against the enemy who attacks you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, so that you will be thought of by the Lord your God, and be saved from your enemies.” The second purpose is stated in verse 10 saying, “Also on the day of your joy and at your appointed feasts, and on the first days of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be as a reminder of you before your God. I am the Lord your God.” For warfare, the sound of the trumpets was a call to God to remember to save and deliver them from their enemies. For worship, the sounding of the trumpets was to remind them of their God and His presence.
From the trumpets and how they should be used, we see in them how God wants to be involved in our lives. Firstly, they show us the need to live in the right relationship with Him and with others within the community. God’s intention is for us to journey in an orderly and cooperative way with Him and with one another in the community. The sounding of the trumpets is to tell us God will guide us in the journey. Secondly, in the sounding of the trumpets during warfare, God wants us to know that He will be with us in our spiritual battle. We never need to encounter our conflict alone. He will be with us to help, save, and deliver us. Thirdly, the sound of trumpets in worship tells us that God wants to be in the center of our worship. And worship is a joyful experience with God. He will be there with is in worship. While we are talking about the sounding of trumpets, we must not forget the one last impending trumpet sound. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:52, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” Be ready and keep our ears open to hear the last trumpet call of God. It is about to sound!
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