Bible Commentaries
Numbers 10

Introduction

Overview

Numbers 10:1, The use of the silver trumpets; Numbers 10:11, The Israelites remove from Sinai to Paran; Numbers 10:14, The order of their march; Numbers 10:29, Hobab is entreated by Moses not to leave them; Numbers 10:33, The blessing of Moses at the removing and resting of the ark.

Verse 1

Reciprocal: Genesis 42:13 - Thy servants Genesis 46:15 - Leah Numbers 1:52 - General Numbers 7:2 - the princes Numbers 7:17 - this was the offering Numbers 29:1 - blowing Joshua 6:4 - trumpets of rams' Judges 7:20 - blew 2 Samuel 6:15 - the sound 2 Kings 11:14 - General 2 Chronicles 5:12 - an hundred 2 Chronicles 7:6 - the priests 2 Chronicles 23:13 - and the princes Ezra 3:10 - trumpets Psalms 47:5 - sound Psalms 81:3 - Blow Psalms 98:6 - trumpets Matthew 24:31 - with Revelation 8:2 - trumpets

Verse 2

two trumpets: The necessity of such instruments will at once appear, when the amazing extent of this army is considered. There were various kinds of trumpets among the ancients, of different forms and materials, as Eustathius shews on Homer, where he mentions six; the second of which was ףפסןדדץכח, turned up round, like a ram's horn; which he says the Egyptians used (from being invented by Osiris) when they assembled the people to their sacrifices. But in opposition to that form, Moses commands these to be made long, in the shape of those used at present. So Josephus informs us, who says they were near a cubit long; the tube of the thickness of a common pipe or flute; the mouth no wider than just to admit blowing into them; and their ends wide like those of a modern trumpet. 2 Kings 12:13, 2 Chronicles 5:12

of a whole piece: Exodus 25:18, Exodus 25:31, Ephesians 4:5

the calling: Numbers 10:7, Psalms 81:3, Psalms 89:15, Isaiah 1:13, Hosea 8:1, Joel 1:14

Reciprocal: Leviticus 23:2 - proclaim 2 Samuel 18:16 - blew the trumpet 1 Chronicles 15:28 - the cornet Nehemiah 12:35 - with trumpets Isaiah 27:13 - the great 1 Corinthians 14:7 - except

Verse 3

Jeremiah 4:5, Joel 2:15, Joel 2:16

Reciprocal: Leviticus 23:2 - proclaim Numbers 10:7 - ye shall blow Judges 6:34 - blew

Verse 4

Numbers 1:4-16, Numbers 7:2, Exodus 18:21, Deuteronomy 1:15

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:7 - ye shall blow 1 Corinthians 15:52 - last

Verse 5

blow: Numbers 10:6, Numbers 10:7, Isaiah 58:1, Joel 2:1

camps: Numbers 2:3-9

Verse 6

ye blow: A single alarm was a signal for the eastward division to march; two such alarms the signal for the south; and probably three for the west, and four for the North. There appears therefore, a deficiency in the Hebrew Text, which is thus supplied by the LXX:

ךבי ףבכניויפו ףחלבףיבם פסיפחם, ךבי ומבסןץףים בי נבסולגןכבי בי נבסולגבככןץףבי נבסב טבכבףףבם. ךבי ףבכניויפו ףחלבףיבם פופבספחם, ךבי ומבסןץףים בי נבסולגןכבי בי נבסולגבככןץףבי נסןע גןלסבם.

And when ye blow a third alarm or signal, the camps on the west shall march; and when ye blow a fourth alarm, the camps on the north shall march." This addition, however, is not acknowledged by the Samaritan, nor any other version than the Coptic, nor any manuscript yet collated.

the camps: Numbers 2:10-16

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:5 - blow Numbers 33:2 - journeys Deuteronomy 10:6 - took

Verse 7

ye shall blow: Numbers 10:3, Numbers 10:4

sound: Joel 2:1

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:2 - the calling Numbers 10:5 - blow

Verse 8

Numbers 31:6, Joshua 6:4-16, 1 Chronicles 15:24, 1 Chronicles 16:6, 2 Chronicles 13:12-15

Reciprocal: Exodus 12:14 - by an ordinance Numbers 15:15 - an ordinance Deuteronomy 20:2 - General 2 Chronicles 29:26 - the priests Joel 2:1 - Blow

Verse 9

if ye go: Numbers 31:6, Joshua 6:5, 2 Chronicles 13:14

oppresseth: Judges 2:18, Judges 3:27, Judges 4:2, Judges 4:3, Judges 6:9, Judges 6:34, Judges 7:16-21, Judges 10:8, Judges 10:12, 1 Samuel 10:18, Psalms 106:42

then ye shall: Isaiah 18:3, Isaiah 58:1, Jeremiah 4:5, Jeremiah 4:19, Jeremiah 4:21, Jeremiah 6:1, Jeremiah 6:17, Ezekiel 7:14, Ezekiel 33:3-6, Hosea 5:8, Amos 3:6, Zephaniah 1:16, 1 Corinthians 14:8

remembered: Genesis 8:1, Psalms 106:4, Psalms 136:23, Luke 1:70-74

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:10 - a memorial Deuteronomy 20:2 - General Judges 7:8 - trumpets 2 Chronicles 13:12 - his priests Nehemiah 4:18 - he that sounded Psalms 108:11 - go forth Joel 2:1 - and sound

Verse 10

in the day: Numbers 29:1, Leviticus 23:24, Leviticus 25:9, Leviticus 25:10, 1 Chronicles 15:24, 1 Chronicles 15:28, 1 Chronicles 16:42, 2 Chronicles 5:12, 2 Chronicles 5:13, 2 Chronicles 7:6, 2 Chronicles 29:26, 2 Chronicles 29:28, Ezra 3:10, Nehemiah 12:35, Psalms 81:3, Psalms 89:15, Psalms 98:5, Psalms 98:6, Psalms 150:3, Isaiah 27:13, Isaiah 55:1-4, Matthew 11:28, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, Revelation 22:17

a memorial: Numbers 10:9, Exodus 28:29, Exodus 30:16, Joshua 4:7, Acts 10:4, 1 Corinthians 11:24-26

Reciprocal: Numbers 28:11 - in the beginnings Judges 21:19 - a feast 1 Samuel 20:5 - the new moon 2 Kings 4:23 - new moon 1 Chronicles 23:31 - in the sabbaths Nehemiah 2:20 - memorial Nehemiah 12:43 - offered Amos 8:5 - When Colossians 2:16 - the new

Verse 11

An, Ex, Is 2, Ijar

on: The Israelites had lain encamped in the wilderness of Sinai about eleven months and twenty days - comp. Exodus 19:1, and they now received the order of God to decamp, and proceed to the promised land: the Samaritan, therefore, introduces at this place, nearly the words of Deuteronomy 1:6-8: "And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount; turn, and take your journey, etc." Numbers 1:1, Numbers 9:1, Numbers 9:5, Numbers 9:11, Exodus 40:2

the cloud: Numbers 9:17-23

Reciprocal: Exodus 38:21 - tabernacle of testimony Exodus 40:36 - when Leviticus 25:1 - General Numbers 1:51 - the Levites Numbers 7:66 - On the tenth day Numbers 33:16 - they removed Deuteronomy 1:33 - in fire Acts 7:44 - the tabernacle

Verse 12

took: Numbers 33:16, Exodus 13:20, Exodus 40:36, Exodus 40:37, Deuteronomy 1:19

out of the: Numbers 1:1, Numbers 9:1, Numbers 9:5, Numbers 33:15, Exodus 19:1, Exodus 19:2

the wilderness: Numbers 12:16, Numbers 13:3, Numbers 13:26, Genesis 21:21, Deuteronomy 1:1, Deuteronomy 33:2, 1 Samuel 25:1, Habakkuk 3:3

Reciprocal: Leviticus 25:1 - General Numbers 7:66 - On the tenth day Deuteronomy 1:33 - in fire Deuteronomy 10:6 - took 1 Kings 11:18 - Paran

Verse 13

Numbers 9:23

Reciprocal: Numbers 9:18 - and at the Numbers 33:2 - journeys Deuteronomy 10:6 - took

Verse 14

Numbers 2:3-9, Numbers 26:19-27, Genesis 49:8

the first place: The following is the order in which this vast company marched:

JUDAH Issachar, Zebulun, Gershonites, and Merarites, bearing the tabernacle. REUBEN Simeon, Gad, Kohathites, with the sanctuary. EPHRAIM Manasseh, Benjamin. DAN Asher, Naphtali.

Among other things, it should be remarked, that, according to a well-known rule of military tactics, the advanced, and rear-guards, were stronger then the centre.

Nahshon: Numbers 1:7, Numbers 7:12

Reciprocal: Numbers 1:4 - General Numbers 1:16 - the renowned Numbers 2:2 - shall pitch Numbers 2:9 - These shall Numbers 4:5 - And when Numbers 17:2 - all their princes 1 Chronicles 2:10 - Nahshon 1 Chronicles 27:3 - the chief Matthew 1:4 - Naasson Revelation 7:5 - tribe of Juda

Verse 15

Numbers 1:8, Numbers 7:18

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:5 - General

Verse 16

Numbers 1:9, Numbers 7:24

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:7 - General

Verse 17

the tabernacle: Numbers 1:51, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 12:28, 2 Peter 1:14

the sons: Numbers 3:25, Numbers 3:26, Numbers 3:36, Numbers 3:37, Numbers 4:24-33, Numbers 7:6-8

Reciprocal: Exodus 25:28 - the table Numbers 2:17 - tabernacle Numbers 3:8 - General Numbers 10:21 - the other did 1 Chronicles 6:47 - Merari 1 Chronicles 23:24 - the sons of Levi

Verse 18

the camp: Numbers 2:10-16, Numbers 26:5-18

Elizur: Numbers 1:5, Numbers 7:35

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:2 - shall pitch Numbers 2:16 - they shall

Verse 19

Simeon: Numbers 1:6, Numbers 7:36

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:12 - Shelumiel

Verse 20

Eliasaph: Numbers 1:14, Numbers 2:14, son of Reuel, Numbers 7:42

Verse 21

the Kohathites: Numbers 2:17, Numbers 3:27-32, Numbers 4:4-16, Numbers 7:9, 1 Chronicles 15:2, 1 Chronicles 15:12-15

the other did: that is, the Gershonites and the Merarites, Numbers 10:17, Numbers 1:51

Reciprocal: Exodus 26:30 - rear up the tabernacle Numbers 1:50 - shall encamp Numbers 3:8 - General Numbers 4:15 - after that 1 Chronicles 23:24 - the sons of Levi

Verse 22

the camp: Numbers 2:18-24, Numbers 26:23-41, Genesis 48:19, Psalms 80:1, Psalms 80:2

Elishama: Numbers 1:10, Numbers 7:48

Reciprocal: Genesis 48:20 - and he set Numbers 2:2 - shall pitch Numbers 2:24 - And Hosea 13:1 - exalted

Verse 23

Gamaliel: Numbers 1:10, Numbers 7:54

Reciprocal: Genesis 48:20 - and he set Numbers 2:20 - Gamaliel

Verse 24

Abidan: Numbers 1:11, Numbers 7:60

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:22 - Abidan

Verse 25

the camp: Numbers 2:25, Numbers 2:28-31, Numbers 26:42-51, Genesis 49:16, Genesis 49:17

the rereward: Deuteronomy 25:17, Deuteronomy 25:18, Joshua 6:9, Isaiah 52:12, Isaiah 58:8

Ahiezer: Numbers 1:12, Numbers 7:66

Reciprocal: Genesis 46:23 - Dan Numbers 2:31 - They

Verse 26

Pagiel: Numbers 1:13, Numbers 7:72

Verse 27

Ahira: Numbers 1:15, Numbers 7:78

Reciprocal: Numbers 2:29 - Ahira

Verse 28

Thus were: Heb. These

according: Numbers 10:35, Numbers 10:36, Numbers 2:34, Numbers 24:4, Numbers 24:5, Song of Solomon 6:10, 1 Corinthians 14:33, 1 Corinthians 14:40, Colossians 2:5

Verse 29

Exodus 2:18, Reuel, Exodus 3:1, Exodus 18:1, Exodus 18:27

the Lord: Genesis 12:7, Genesis 13:15, Genesis 15:18, Acts 7:5

come: Judges 1:16, Judges 4:11, 1 Samuel 15:6, Psalms 34:8, Isaiah 2:3, Jeremiah 50:5, Zechariah 8:21-23, Revelation 22:17

for the Lord: Numbers 23:19, Genesis 32:12, Exodus 3:8, Exodus 6:7, Exodus 6:8, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 36:4 - Reuel Joshua 2:14 - when the Lord Zechariah 8:23 - We will

Verse 30

Genesis 12:1, Genesis 31:30, Ruth 1:15-17, Psalms 45:10, Luke 14:26, 2 Corinthians 5:16, Hebrews 11:8, Hebrews 11:13

Reciprocal: Exodus 18:27 - General

Verse 31

forasmuch: As the Israelites were under the immediate direction of God himself, and were guided by the pillar of cloud and fire, it might be supposed that they had no need of Hobab. But it should be remembered, that the cloud directed only their general journeys, not their particular excursions. Parties took several journeys while the grand army lay still - Numbers 13:1, Numbers 20:1, Numbers 31:1, Numbers 32:1.

instead of eyes: Job 29:15, Psalms 32:8, 1 Corinthians 12:14-21, Galatians 6:2

Reciprocal: 1 Corinthians 12:21 - General

Verse 32

Judges 1:16, Judges 4:11, 1 John 1:3

Reciprocal: 1 Corinthians 12:21 - General

Verse 33

the mount: Exodus 3:1, Exodus 19:3, Exodus 24:17, Exodus 24:18

the ark: Deuteronomy 9:9, Deuteronomy 31:26, Joshua 4:7, Judges 20:27, 1 Samuel 4:3, Jeremiah 3:16, Hebrews 13:20

went before: Exodus 33:14, Exodus 33:15, Deuteronomy 1:33, Joshua 3:2-6, Joshua 3:11-17, Jeremiah 31:8, Jeremiah 31:9, Ezekiel 20:6

a resting place: Psalms 95:11, Isaiah 28:12, Isaiah 66:1, Jeremiah 6:16, Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 4:3-11

Reciprocal: Genesis 22:4 - third Exodus 37:1 - General Exodus 40:36 - when Numbers 9:17 - when the cloud Numbers 11:1 - And when Numbers 14:44 - the ark Numbers 33:16 - they removed Deuteronomy 9:11 - the tables of the covenant Joshua 3:3 - General Joshua 3:6 - Take up 2 Samuel 7:6 - walked 1 Chronicles 15:29 - as the ark 1 Chronicles 17:6 - walked 2 Chronicles 5:2 - the ark Jeremiah 31:2 - when Revelation 11:19 - the ark

Verse 34

Exodus 13:21, Exodus 13:22, Nehemiah 9:12, Nehemiah 9:19, Psalms 105:39

Reciprocal: Numbers 9:17 - when the cloud Numbers 14:14 - thy cloud

Verse 35

Lord: Psalms 68:1, Psalms 68:2, Psalms 132:8, Isaiah 51:9

Reciprocal: Numbers 10:28 - according Psalms 20:5 - and in Psalms 24:7 - shall Psalms 92:9 - scattered Isaiah 31:2 - arise Romans 1:30 - haters

Verse 36

O Lord: Psalms 90:13-17

many thousands of Israel: Heb. ten thousand thousands, Genesis 24:60, Deuteronomy 1:10

Reciprocal: Exodus 3:12 - ye shall Numbers 10:28 - according 1 Samuel 23:23 - the thousands 2 Chronicles 5:2 - the ark Psalms 20:5 - and in Psalms 24:7 - shall Psalms 132:8 - Arise Isaiah 63:17 - Return