Bible Dictionaries
Alarm

Holman Bible Dictionary

A signal given by shouting or playing an instrument. The Hebrew term (terucah) means literally a shout, but musical instruments were used as the trumpets of Numbers 10:1-10 . The alarm called the wilderness community to march (Numbers 10:5-6 ). The alarm was a special, unspecified, sound of the trumpets, for they could be blown without sounding the alarm to march (Numbers 10:7 ). The alarm called later Israel to battle (Numbers 10:9 ) and reminded them of God's presence with their armies. Compare Numbers 31:6 . The alarm is sounded against the enemy of God's people (2 Chronicles 13:12 ). Joshua 6:1 describes a different alarm system. The priests march with horns, instruments distinct from trumpets, and the people shout a great shout or alarm (terucah) before God's miraculous act. The trumpet could also sound the alarm on a great religious day ( Leviticus 25:9 ), and Israel could raise a shout of joy (1 Samuel 4:5 ). The alarm did not always bring joy. The alarm announcing the enemy coming in war brought shock, sadness, and fear (Jeremiah 4:19; Hosea 5:8 ). The greatest fear should come, however, when God sounds the alarm for His day (Joel 2:1 ).