Bible Pathways 02/17/2003
Read Numbers 10 -- 11
In Today 's Reading:
Two silver trumpets; the Israelites leave Sinai; complaint of the people; the 70 elders chosen; the Lord sends a plague
It was the responsibility of the priest to make yourself two silver trumpets; you are to make them of hammered silver. Use them to summon the community together and to break camp (Numbers 10:2). The trumpets were long, straight tubes of silver with bell-shaped mouths. They could not be made from inferior metal, nor from silver fragments; instead they were to be fashioned from one whole piece of silver. Regardless of how far away one was from the tabernacle, the clear tones of the silver trumpets would communicate various messages: They are to sound a signal for moving out. When calling the assembly together, you are to sound the trumpet. . . . When you enter into battle against an adversary who is oppressing you in your own land, sound the signal on the trumpets. You will be remembered before the LORD your God, and you will be delivered from your enemies. Also on joyous occasions such as your designated feasts and New Moon festivals, you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over your fellowship sacrifices. They will be a memorial for you in the presence of your God (10:6-10; Leviticus 23:24; II Chronicles 5:12-14; 7:6; 29:26-29; Ezra 3:10; Nehemiah 12:35,41).
Whether they worshiped, went to war, or journeyed, every move of the people was to be in obedience to the various sounds of the trumpets. The two silver trumpets represent the truth of God's word and remind us that both the Old and the New Testaments are each a part of the whole word of God.
God's people are to be fully dependent upon and subject to the will of God as revealed in His word. If our hearts are accustomed to hearing the true silver trumpet, His voice through His word, we will then be in harmony with the Holy Spirit's prompting as to what we should or should not do. His word will keep us from missing the will of God.
Our Lord assures us that, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come (John 16:13).
Christ Revealed:
The two trumpets were made of silver (Numbers 10:2). Silver in the Bible stands for truth. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Randy Forbes (VA) and Sen. Craig Thomas (WY) · Country: Poland (39 million) in eastern Europe · Major language: Polish · Religious freedom · 87% Roman Catholic; 1% Eastern Orthodox; .5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: All men need to pray to the Lord, who hears prayers (Psalms 65:2).
Optional Reading: Luke 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:10
