101 The Lord spoke further to Moses , saying , 2 "Make yourself two trumpets of silver , of hammered work you shall make them; and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for having the camps set out. 3 " When both are blown , all the congregation shall gather themselves to you at the doorway of the tent of meeting . 4 "Yet if only one is blown , then the leaders , the heads of the divisions of Israel , shall assemble before you. 5 "But when you blow an alarm , the camps that are pitched on the east side shall set out. 6 "When you blow an alarm the second time , the camps that are pitched on the south side shall set out; an alarm is to be blown for them to set out. 7 "When convening the assembly , however, you shall blow without sounding an alarm . 8 " The priestly sons of Aaron , moreover, shall blow the trumpets ; and this shall be for you a perpetual statute throughout your generations .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 10:1-8
Commentary on Numbers 10:1-10
(Read Numbers 10:1-10)
Here are directions concerning the public notices to be given the people by sound of trumpet. Their laws in every case were to be Divine, therefore, even in this matter Moses is directed. These trumpets typify the preached gospel. It sounds an alarm to sinners, calls them to repent, proclaims liberty to the captives and slaves of Satan, and collects the worshippers of God. It directs and encourages their heavenly journey; stirs them up to combat against the world and sin, encouraging them with the assurance of victory. It leads their attention to the sacrifice of Christ, and shows the Lord's presence for their protection. It is also necessary that the gospel trumpet give a distinct sound, according to the persons addressed, or the end proposed; whether to convince, humble, console, exhort, reprove, or teach. The sounding of the trumpet of the gospel is God's ordinance, and demands the attention of all to whom it is sent.