King James Version

What Does Numbers 10:2 Mean?

Numbers 10:2 in the King James Version says “Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of th... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 10:2 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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.

3

And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's provision of specific means for directing His people teach about His concern for order in the church?
  2. What modern equivalents to the trumpets help God's people know when to gather and when to advance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה1 of 15

Make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְךָ֗2 of 15
H0
שְׁתֵּי֙3 of 15

thee two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

חֲצֽוֹצְרֹ֣ת4 of 15

trumpets

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

כֶּ֔סֶף5 of 15

of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

מִקְשָׁ֖ה6 of 15

of a whole piece

H4749

rounded work, i.e., moulded by hammering (repousse)

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה7 of 15

Make

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹתָ֑ם8 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְהָי֤וּ9 of 15

them that thou mayest use

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְךָ֙10 of 15
H0
לְמִקְרָ֣א11 of 15

them for the calling

H4744

something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal

הָֽעֵדָ֔ה12 of 15

of the assembly

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

וּלְמַסַּ֖ע13 of 15

and for the journeying

H4550

a departure (from striking the tents), i.e., march (not necessarily a single day's travel); by implication, a station (or point of departure)

אֶת14 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽמַּחֲנֽוֹת׃15 of 15

of the camps

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 10:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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