Make two silver trumpets for yourself; you shall make them of hammered work; you shall use them for calling the congregation and for directing the movements of the camps. Numbers 10:2 NKJV
You may think the book of Numbers is the most repetitive and boring book of the Bible. I used to.
However, for the hungry soul, God’s Word has multiple layers of meaning. I’ve found so many hidden treasures in the book of Numbers that I’ve written more devotions from Numbers than any other book of the Bible.
Today’s nugget is these silver trumpets, and their curious use in the marching order of Israel.
In the wilderness wanderings, the tribe of Levi camped directly around the Tabernacle. Three of the 12 tribes camped on the east side, three on the south side, three on the west side, and three on the north side. When the cloud of His presence lifted above the Tabernacle, the three tribes on each side moved as a unit, in the marching order.
The curious thing is that the trumpet was blown twice. They sounded the trumpet for the first and second units to begin their journey, but not for the third and fourth units (v. 5-6). Why? If the trumpets were used to coordinate troop movements, wouldn’t they be blown for all the units to advance?
I believe these two trumpets represent Messiah Jesus’ first and second comings. The explanation requires knowledge of the meanings of the tribal names of Israel, which are found in Genesis 29-30.
The trumpets were used for two purposes in the Promised Land: military assembly and worship. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 trumpets herald the second coming of Christ, when He comes to vanquish His enemies and assume His throne in Jerusalem. And in Luke 2:13-14, what ushered the Christ child into Bethlehem? Worship!
The marching order of the tribes tells the complete story. When the first trumpet was blown, the unit east of the Tabernacle began its journey. These are the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. So, at Jesus Christ’s first coming there was praise in the heavenlies, represented by Judah. Jesus paid the wages (Issachar) for our sins on the cross. And He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell (Zebulun) in us.
Next in the marching order was the Tabernacle curtains, poles, and sockets, etc. After Jesus’ first coming the church became the dwelling place or tabernacle of God. Are you still with me?
At the sounding of the second trumpet, the tribes on the south side of the tabernacle began their journey. Those tribes are Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. Reuben’s name means, “See, a son!” At the second trumpet a Son sets out; that refers to Jesus, of course. Simeon’s name means, “Heard.” Perhaps that means that all of heaven and earth hear the trumpet sound (1Thes. 4:16-17). Gad comes next; his name means “troop” or “fortune.” I believe this refers to the procession of worshipers who accompany King Jesus as He ascends His throne in Jerusalem.
Immediately after this unit of three tribes, the holy things followed, carried on the shoulders of the priests. The holy things are the Ark of the Covenant that represents the presence of God; the table of showbread which foreshadows Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:35); and the lampstand that models the Holy Spirit. Collectively, the holy things are a picture of the triune God following an army of worshippers.
Although no trumpet was blown to signal the advance of the last two units in the marching order, we could glean meaning from their names as well. But that is a topic for another day. Be blessed!