Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When a trumpet blast is sounded, the tribes camping on the east are to set out. New Living Translation “When you sound the signal to move on, the tribes camped on the east side of the Tabernacle must break camp and move forward. English Standard Version When you blow an alarm, the camps that are on the east side shall set out. Berean Standard Bible When you sound short blasts, the camps that lie on the east side are to set out. King James Bible When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward. New King James Version When you sound the advance, the camps that lie on the east side shall then begin their journey. New American Standard Bible And when you blow an alarm, the camps that are pitched on the east side shall set out. NASB 1995 “But when you blow an alarm, the camps that are pitched on the east side shall set out. NASB 1977 “But when you blow an alarm, the camps that are pitched on the east side shall set out. Legacy Standard Bible But when you blow an alarm, the camps that are pitched on the east side shall set out. Amplified Bible When you blow an alarm, the camps on the east side [of the tabernacle] shall set out. Christian Standard Bible “When you sound short blasts, the camps pitched on the east are to set out. Holman Christian Standard Bible When you sound short blasts, the camps pitched on the east are to set out. American Standard Version And when ye blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall take their journey. English Revised Version And when ye blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall take their journey. GOD'S WORD® Translation When they hear the trumpet fanfare, the tribes that are camped on the east side will break camp first. Good News Translation When short blasts are sounded, the tribes camped on the east will move out. International Standard Version When you sound an alarm, the ones encamped on the east side are to begin to travel. NET Bible When you blow an alarm, then the camps that are located on the east side must begin to travel. New Heart English Bible When you blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall go forward. Webster's Bible Translation When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen you sound short blasts, the camps that lie on the east side are to set out. World English Bible When you blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall go forward. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand you have blown—a shout, and the camps which are encamping eastward have journeyed. Young's Literal Translation 'And ye have blown -- a shout, and the camps which are encamping eastward have journeyed. Smith's Literal Translation And ye sounded the signal, and the camps encamping eastward, removed. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut if the sound of the trumpets be longer, and with interruptions, they that are on the east side, shall first go forward. Catholic Public Domain Version But if the sound of the trumpets is prolonged, but with interruptions, those who are toward the east side shall move the camp first. New American Bible When you sound the signal, those encamped on the east side shall break camp; New Revised Standard Version When you blow an alarm, the camps on the east side shall set out; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen they blow the trumpet, the camps that lie on the east side shall take their journey. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they shall blow reveille with a trumpet and they shall pick up the camps that dwell at the east. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when ye blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall take their journey. Brenton Septuagint Translation And ye shall sound an alarm, and the camps pitched eastward shall begin to move. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Two Silver Trumpets…4But if only one is sounded, then the leaders, the heads of the clans of Israel, are to gather before you. 5When you sound short blasts, the camps that lie on the east side are to set out. 6When you sound the short blasts a second time, the camps that lie on the south side are to set out. The blasts are to signal them to set out.… Cross References Joshua 6:4-5 Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. Then on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the horns. / And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse and all your people will charge straight into the city.” 1 Corinthians 14:8 Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle? Joel 2:1 Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near— Revelation 8:6 And the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to sound them. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. Exodus 19:13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with arrows—whether man or beast, he must not live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain.” Isaiah 27:13 And in that day a great ram’s horn will sound, and those who were perishing in Assyria will come forth with those who were exiles in Egypt. And they will worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem. Zechariah 9:14 Then the LORD will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will sound the ram’s horn and advance in the whirlwinds of the south. Matthew 24:31 And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. 1 Corinthians 15:52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. Jeremiah 4:5 Announce in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: “Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land. Cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble yourselves and let us flee to the fortified cities.’ Ezekiel 33:3 and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people. Amos 3:6 If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? Nehemiah 4:20 Wherever you hear the sound of the horn, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us!” 2 Chronicles 13:12 Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with their trumpets sound the battle call against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.” Treasury of Scripture When you blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward. blow Numbers 10:6,7 When ye blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys… Isaiah 58:1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; camps j Numbers 2:3-9 And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah… Jump to Previous Alarm Blast Blown Camping Camps East Eastward Encamping Forward Journey Journeyed Lie Note Parts Pitched Placed Shout Side Sounded Tents Tribes TrumpetJump to Next Alarm Blast Blown Camping Camps East Eastward Encamping Forward Journey Journeyed Lie Note Parts Pitched Placed Shout Side Sounded Tents Tribes TrumpetNumbers 10 1. The use of the silver trumpets11. The Israelites move from Sinai to Paran 14. The order of their march 29. Hobab is entreated by Moses not to leave them 33. The blessing of Moses at the removing and resting of the ark When you sound short blasts The use of trumpets in ancient Israel served as a means of communication, particularly in signaling movement or gathering. The short blasts mentioned here are distinct from the longer blasts used for other purposes, such as calling the congregation together or signaling an alarm. The Hebrew word for "short blasts" indicates a quick, sharp sound, which would have been easily recognizable to the Israelites. Trumpets, often made of silver, were significant in Israelite worship and warfare, symbolizing God's presence and guidance (Numbers 10:2). The use of trumpets is also seen in the New Testament, where they are associated with divine intervention and the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16). the camps that lie on the east side are to set out Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received instructions from God on how to organize the camp and the journey. 2. Israelites The people of God, who were journeying from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. 3. The Camps on the East Side Refers to the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, who were camped on the east side of the tabernacle. 4. Trumpets Silver trumpets were used for signaling the movement of the camps and for other ceremonial purposes. 5. Mount Sinai The location where the Israelites received the Law and instructions for their journey. Teaching Points Order and ObedienceGod is a God of order, and He provides clear instructions for His people. Just as the Israelites were to respond to the trumpet blasts, we are called to listen and respond to God's guidance in our lives. Communication and Clarity The use of trumpets highlights the importance of clear communication. In our spiritual lives, we should strive for clarity in our communication with God and others. Preparedness for Movement The Israelites had to be ready to move at the sound of the trumpet. Similarly, we should be prepared to act when God calls us to move or change direction in our lives. Community and Unity The coordinated movement of the tribes emphasizes the importance of unity and working together as a community of believers. Symbolism of Trumpets Trumpets in the Bible often symbolize God's presence and action. We should be attentive to the ways God signals His presence and direction in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 10:5?2. How does Numbers 10:5 guide us in responding to God's call today? 3. What significance does the trumpet blast hold in Numbers 10:5 for Israel's journey? 4. How can we discern God's direction in our lives, as in Numbers 10:5? 5. Compare the trumpet's role in Numbers 10:5 to its use in Revelation. 6. How can we prepare spiritually for God's signals, as seen in Numbers 10:5? 7. What is the significance of the trumpet sound in Numbers 10:5 for Israel's journey? 8. How does Numbers 10:5 reflect God's guidance and order for the Israelites? 9. Why were trumpets chosen as the method of communication in Numbers 10:5? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 10? 11. What musical instruments are mentioned in the Old Testament? 12. Why did spies visit Rahab in Jericho? 13. Numbers 10:11-12: Is there archaeological or historical evidence supporting the exact timing and route described for the Israelites' departure from Sinai? 14. Why do biblical genealogies contradict each other? What Does Numbers 10:5 Mean When you sound short blastsThe Lord had Moses fashion two hammered silver trumpets (Numbers 10:2) so that clear, unmistakable signals would guide the entire nation. A “short blast” (or “alarm”) was a staccato series of notes that sounded urgent and action-oriented. • Numbers 10:9 shows the same sharp signal calling Israel to defend itself in battle—“When you go into battle in your own land…you shall sound a blast on the trumpets.” • Numbers 10:7 contrasts it with the prolonged tone used merely to gather the people, safeguarding against confusion. • 1 Corinthians 14:8 appeals to this imagery: “If the trumpet sounds an unclear call, who will get ready for battle?” God communicates with clarity so His people can respond in unity. • Exodus 19:16 records trumpet blasts at Sinai, reinforcing that divine revelation often comes with audible, authoritative signals. Through the short blasts, the Lord teaches that obedience begins with attentive listening; His instructions are never vague. the camps that lie on the east side Israel’s encampment formed a massive square around the tabernacle, each side assigned three tribes (Numbers 2). The eastern front—Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun—was nearest the entrance of the tabernacle and held pride of place. • Numbers 2:3 lists Judah’s standard on the east, and Genesis 49:10 had already prophesied royal leadership from Judah: “The scepter will not depart from Judah.” • Ezekiel 43:1-2 later pictures the glory of God entering by the east gate, hinting that the east is symbolically linked with new beginnings and God’s presence. • Matthew 2:1-2 tells of wise men coming “from the east” to worship Christ—the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). By giving the eastern tribes the first marching orders, God honors Judah’s leadership role while maintaining precise order for the journey. are to set out The blast was not a suggestion; it was a command to move. God’s presence, represented by the cloud over the tabernacle (Numbers 9:17), would lift, and the people had to break camp immediately. • Deuteronomy 1:6 recalls a similar divine prompt: “You have stayed long enough at this mountain.” • Hebrews 11:8 commends Abraham, who “obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going,” modeling the same trust required here. • Psalm 32:8-9 warns against being “like the horse or mule” that need bit and bridle; God’s guidance is meant to be welcomed, not resisted. Responding promptly kept the nation under the pillar of cloud and fire’s protective covering. Lagging behind would risk exposure in the wilderness, while rushing ahead would break ranks. God’s timing and sequence are perfect, safeguarding everyone. summary Numbers 10:5 shows God orchestrating His people with precision: a clear trumpet signal, a designated group, and an immediate response. The short blasts underscore the urgency of obedience; the eastern tribes highlight God-appointed leadership; the command to set out reminds us that spiritual progress hinges on moving when God moves. Ordered, attentive, and ready—that is the pattern for every believer who journeys with the Lord. (5) When ye blow an alarm.--The word teruah, alarm, is supposed to denote a loud and continuous blast, by which the signal for the moving of the camps was distinguished from those which were used for the summoning of the congregation, or of the princes (Numbers 10:7). In the former of these cases some suppose that both trumpets were blown, and in the latter only one (Numbers 10:4 and Note. Comp. Light-foot's Temple Service, Numbers 7:5; Numbers 7:2.) The fuller directions respecting the order in which the camps were to break up are given in Numbers 2. Here the order of the eastern and southern camps only is prescribed. In the LXX., however, we read thus: "And ye shall sound a third alarm, and the camps pitched by the sea (i.e., westward), shall move forward; and ye shall sound a fourth alarm, and they that encamp toward the north shall move forward; they shall sound an alarm at their departure."Verse 5. - When ye blow an alarm. Hebrew, תְּרוּעָה. This seems to signify a continuous peal, easily distinguished, wherever audible, from the blowing in short, sharp tones (Hebrew, תָּקַע) mentioned below, verse 7. The peal of alarm was to be blown - לְמַסְּעֵיהֶם - "for their breaking up" - for that purpose, and no other. The camps. Only those on the east (Judah, with Issachar and Zebulun) and on the south (Reuben, with Simeon and Gad) are here mentioned. It may be that the silver trumpets themselves were carried with the sacred utensils after the southern camps, and that some other means were employed to start the remaining tribes; or it may be that the omission is due to some accidental circumstance. The Septuagint inserts in verse 6, "And ye shall sound a third alarm, and the camps which are pitched westwards shall move; and ye shall sound a fourth alarm, and the camps which are pitched northwards shall move." No doubt this was the actual order of starting, however the signal was given.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When you soundוּתְקַעְתֶּ֖ם (ū·ṯə·qa‘·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 8628: To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman short blasts, תְּרוּעָ֑ה (tə·rū·‘āh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8643: Clamor, acclamation of joy, a battle-cry, clangor, of trumpets, as an alarum the camps הַֽמַּחֲנ֔וֹת (ham·ma·ḥă·nō·wṯ) Article | Noun - common plural Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army that lie הַחֹנִ֖ים (ha·ḥō·nîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp on the east side קֵֽדְמָה׃ (qê·ḏə·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 6924: The front, of place, time are to set out. וְנָֽסְעוּ֙ (wə·nā·sə·‘ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey Links Numbers 10:5 NIVNumbers 10:5 NLT Numbers 10:5 ESV Numbers 10:5 NASB Numbers 10:5 KJV Numbers 10:5 BibleApps.com Numbers 10:5 Biblia Paralela Numbers 10:5 Chinese Bible Numbers 10:5 French Bible Numbers 10:5 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 10:5 When you blow an alarm the camps (Nu Num.) |