4 If only one is sounded, the leaders-the heads of the clans of Israel-are to assemble before you.
4 And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee.
4 But if they blow only one, then the chiefs, the heads of the tribes of Israel, shall gather themselves to you.
4 "When a bugle gives a single, short blast, that's the signal for the leaders, the heads of the clans, to assemble.
4 But if they blow only one, then the leaders, the heads of the divisions of Israel, shall gather to you.
4 But if only one trumpet is blown, then only the leaders-the heads of the clans of Israel-must present themselves to you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 10:4
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.