The Book of
Numbers 10
36 verses≈ 6 min3 peopleBSB
Images are artistic interpretations.
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In this chapter
Where we are
- 1–10Ready at SinaiCounted and orderedChapter 10
- 11–14GrumblingTo Kadesh and refusal
- 15–21Forty yearsRebellion and mercy
- 22–25BalaamA curse turned to blessing
- 26–36A new generationReady for the land
The Two Silver Trumpets
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make two trumpets of hammered silver to be used for calling the congregation and for having the camps set out.
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Gather
Both blown: all assemble
When both are sounded, the whole congregation is to assemble before you at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
One blown: the leaders come
But if only one is sounded, then the leaders, the heads of the clans of Israel, are to gather before you.
March
Short blasts: the east sets out
When you sound short blasts, the camps that lie on the east side are to set out.
Again: the south sets out
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.
Gather
Long blasts: assemble
To convene the assembly, you are to sound long blasts, not short ones.
Who
Priests blow them, for all time
The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. This shall be a permanent statute for you and the generations to come.
Reflect
Remembered before the LORD
Israel was to sound the trumpets in two very different moments: when an enemy attacked, and on “your joyous occasions.” In danger and in joy alike, they were to call on God. Which comes more easily to you: crying out in trouble, or giving thanks in gladness? Write down one danger and one joy from this week, and bring both to Him. Lord, let me remember You in both. Amen.
From Sinai to Paran
On the twentieth day of the second month of the second year, the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle of the Testimony, and the Israelites set out from the Wilderness of Sinai, traveling from place to place until the cloud settled in the Wilderness of Paran. They set out this first time according to the LORD’s command through Moses.
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Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
East
Judah, Issachar, Zebulun
First, the divisions of the camp of Judah set out under their standard, with Nahshon son of Amminadab in command. Nethanel son of Zuar was over the division of the tribe of Issachar, and Eliab son of Helon was over the division of the tribe of Zebulun.
Levites
Gershon and Merari: the tabernacle
Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it.
South
Reuben, Simeon, Gad
Then the divisions of the camp of Reuben set out under their standard, with Elizur son of Shedeur in command. Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai was over the division of the tribe of Simeon, and Eliasaph son of Deuel was over the division of the tribe of Gad.
Levites
Kohath: the holy objects
Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.
West
Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin
Next, the divisions of the camp of Ephraim set out under their standard, with Elishama son of Ammihud in command. Gamaliel son of Pedahzur was over the division of the tribe of Manasseh, and Abidan son of Gideoni was over the division of the tribe of Benjamin.
North
Dan, Asher, Naphtali: the rear guard
Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out under their standard, serving as the rear guard for all units, with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command. Pagiel son of Ocran was over the division of the tribe of Asher, and Ahira son of Enan was over the division of the tribe of Naphtali.
All
Every division in its place
This was the order of march for the Israelite divisions as they set out.
Moses
Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.”
Hobab
“I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.”
Moses
“Please do not leave us,” Moses said, “since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes. If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the LORD gives us.”
Question
Quick question
Moses pleaded with his relative from Midian not to leave.
Whom did Moses ask to serve as the people’s eyes in the wilderness?
So they set out on a three-day journey from the mountain of the LORD, with the ark of the covenant of the LORD traveling ahead of them for those three days to seek a resting place for them. And the cloud of the LORD was over them by day when they set out from the camp.
Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, “Rise up, O LORD! May Your enemies be scattered; may those who hate You flee before You.”
Numbers 10:35
And when it came to rest, he would say:
“Return, O LORD,
to the countless thousands of Israel.”
Stylised map · locations approximate
On the map
Three days from the mountain
The cloud lifted, and Israel set out from “the Wilderness of Sinai, traveling from place to place until the cloud settled in the Wilderness of Paran.” Where Mount Sinai stood is not known for certain, and the dashed line is only one possible way. The stages on the road, Taberah, Kibroth-hattaavah and Hazeroth, come in chapters 11 and 12.
Pray
Rise up, O LORD
Whenever the ark set out, Moses prayed, “Rise up, O LORD!” Whenever it came to rest, he prayed, “Return, O LORD.” Make those your prayers today. As you go out, ask God to go before you and scatter what opposes Him. As you come home, ask Him to stay near you and those you love. Thank Him that in Christ He has promised never to leave His people.
You’ve experienced
Numbers 10
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A verse to carry with you
Whenever the ark set out, Moses would say, “Rise up, O LORD! May Your enemies be scattered; may those who hate You flee before You.”
Numbers 10:35
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