Numbers Chapter 10 · Verse 2
Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
Original Language Analysis
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
Make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
Make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֲצֽוֹצְרֹ֣ת
trumpets
H2689
חֲצֽוֹצְרֹ֣ת
trumpets
Strong's:
H2689
Word #:
4 of 15
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
כֶּ֔סֶף
of silver
H3701
כֶּ֔סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
5 of 15
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
מִקְשָׁ֖ה
of a whole piece
H4749
מִקְשָׁ֖ה
of a whole piece
Strong's:
H4749
Word #:
6 of 15
rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
Make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה
Make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹתָ֑ם
H853
אֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְהָי֤וּ
them that thou mayest use
H1961
וְהָי֤וּ
them that thou mayest use
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְמִקְרָ֣א
them for the calling
H4744
לְמִקְרָ֣א
them for the calling
Strong's:
H4744
Word #:
11 of 15
something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
of the assembly
H5712
הָֽעֵדָ֔ה
of the assembly
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
12 of 15
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
וּלְמַסַּ֖ע
and for the journeying
H4550
וּלְמַסַּ֖ע
and for the journeying
Strong's:
H4550
Word #:
13 of 15
a departure (from striking the tents), i.e., march (not necessarily a single day's travel); by implication, a station (or point of departure)
Cross References
Isaiah 1:13Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.Joel 1:14Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,Psalms 81:3Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
Historical Context
Archaeological discoveries have uncovered ancient trumpets from this period, confirming the biblical description's accuracy. The trumpets were straight, unlike the curved ram's horn (shofar) used for other purposes. Only priests could blow these silver trumpets (verse 8), maintaining the principle that communication of God's direction came through authorized mediators. Later, temple worship employed trumpets extensively (2 Chronicles 5:12-13), demonstrating the continuation of this practice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision of specific means for directing His people teach about His concern for order in the church?
- What modern equivalents to the trumpets help God's people know when to gather and when to advance?
Analysis & Commentary
God's command to make two silver trumpets for calling assemblies and directing camp movements demonstrates His orderly direction of His people. The silver material (precious metal refined by fire) symbolized redemption and purity. These trumpets were priestly instruments, blown by Aaron's sons, showing that divine direction came through appointed mediators. The dual purpose (assembly and travel) illustrates that God gathers His people for worship and then disperses them for mission—principles continuing in the church today.