February 17
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
The Lord commanded Moses to make . . . 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 how far away one was from 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; see 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 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. Truth revealed in His Word will keep us from missing the will of God.
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, fasts, and Sabbaths; 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).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BP Staff: Ilene Wallace · Government Officials: Rep. Randy Forbes (VA) and Sen. Craig Thomas (WY) · Country: Mali (10 million) in West Africa · Major languages: French and Bambara · Religious freedom despite Muslim majority · 81% Muslim; 17% animism and spirit worship; 2% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers to God with your whole heart (Psalm 119:58,145).
Optional Reading: Luke 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:7