Bible Pathways 2/17/2004
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 Aaron and his sons to blow the two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shall you make them: that you may use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps (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 where one was in relation to the position of the Tabernacle, the clear tones of the silver trumpets would communicate various messages: They shall blow an alarm for their journeys. But when the congregation is to be gathered together, you shall blow, but you shall not sound an alarm. . . . And if you go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresses you, then you shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and you shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies. Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn (appointed) days, and in the beginnings of your months, you shall blow with the trumpets over your burned offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings (10:6-10; also 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. The two trumpets were symbolic of an appeal to God for guidance and protection as they journeyed and for victory in war against enemy forces.
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.
We have no need for trumpets today, for our Lord assures us that, when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come (John 16:13).
Word Studies:
10:10 solemn days = appointed feasts, festivals; 10:21 against they came = before their arrival; 11:6 our soul is dried away = dissatisfied and discouraged.
Christ Revealed:
By the two trumpets made of silver (Numbers 10:2). In the Bible, silver stands for truth. Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
Pray For:
Government Officials: Rep. Randy Forbes (VA) and Sen. Craig Thomas (WY) · Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia · Major languages: Arabic and English · Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors · 97% Muslim; .5% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks and praise to the Lord (Psalm 92:1).
Optional Reading: Luke 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:10
