Numbers 10:4
And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בְּאַחַ֖ת
but with one
H259
בְּאַחַ֖ת
but with one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
יִתְקָ֑עוּ
And if they blow
H8628
יִתְקָ֑עוּ
And if they blow
Strong's:
H8628
Word #:
3 of 9
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
וְנֽוֹעֲד֤וּ
shall gather
H3259
וְנֽוֹעֲד֤וּ
shall gather
Strong's:
H3259
Word #:
4 of 9
to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi
הַנְּשִׂיאִ֔ים
trumpet then the princes
H5387
הַנְּשִׂיאִ֔ים
trumpet then the princes
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
רָאשֵׁ֖י
which are heads
H7218
רָאשֵׁ֖י
which are heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
7 of 9
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Cross References
Exodus 18:21Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:Numbers 7:2That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered:
Historical Context
The princes (Hebrew nesi'im) were the tribal heads, leaders of the twelve tribes (Numbers 1:16). They met with Moses for counsel and judgment on national matters. This distinction between leadership meetings and full assemblies parallels church polity with both congregational meetings and elder meetings, each serving distinct purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does clear communication in church life prevent confusion and promote order?
- What distinct roles do leadership and whole congregation play in church governance?
- How can we ensure that church members understand the 'signals' for different meetings and responsibilities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The different trumpet signals—one trumpet for princes, both trumpets for all the congregation—demonstrates organized communication through established signals. The Hebrew taka echad (blow one) versus taka shtayim (blow two) created distinct summons. This teaches that effective corporate life requires clear communication and understood signals. The church similarly needs clear teaching about membership, discipline, and ordinances. Confusion in signals produces chaos; clarity produces order (1 Corinthians 14:33). Leaders and all members had different summons, reflecting different responsibilities.