Numbers 10:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
יִתְקְע֖וּ
When ye blow
H8628
יִתְקְע֖וּ
When ye blow
Strong's:
H8628
Word #:
1 of 10
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
תְּרוּעָ֥ה
an alarm
H8643
תְּרוּעָ֥ה
an alarm
Strong's:
H8643
Word #:
2 of 10
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
שֵׁנִ֔ית
the second time
H8145
שֵׁנִ֔ית
the second time
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
וְנָֽסְעוּ֙
shall take their journey
H5265
וְנָֽסְעוּ֙
shall take their journey
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
הַֽמַּחֲנ֔וֹת
then the camps
H4264
הַֽמַּחֲנ֔וֹת
then the camps
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
5 of 10
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
הַֽחֹנִ֖ים
that lie
H2583
הַֽחֹנִ֖ים
that lie
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
תֵּימָ֑נָה
on the south side
H8486
תֵּימָ֑נָה
on the south side
Strong's:
H8486
Word #:
7 of 10
the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)
תְּרוּעָ֥ה
an alarm
H8643
תְּרוּעָ֥ה
an alarm
Strong's:
H8643
Word #:
8 of 10
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
Historical Context
Numbers 2 details the tribal arrangement: east (Judah), south (Reuben), west (Ephraim), north (Dan). The marching order moved eastward tribes first (verse 5), then southward tribes second (verse 6). The trumpet system coordinated movement of approximately 600,000 fighting men plus families—perhaps 2-3 million people. Such coordination required divine wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's ordered progression challenge impulsive ministry decisions?
- What role should patience and divine timing play in strategic ministry planning?
- How can churches discern God's leading versus mere human opportunity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The directional marching—'when ye blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey'—shows precise order in Israel's movements. Each trumpet alarm signaled specific tribes to march. This military precision reflects divine order, not chaos. God's people move according to His command, not human impulse. The principle extends to church life: missions, church planting, and ministry initiatives should follow divine leading through providential circumstances and scriptural wisdom, not merely human enthusiasm or opportunity.