King James Version

What Does Numbers 10:6 Mean?

Numbers 10:6 in the King James Version says “When ye blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey: they shall bl... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 10:6 · KJV


Context

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.

5

When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward.

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.

7

But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.

8

And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's ordered progression challenge impulsive ministry decisions?
  2. What role should patience and divine timing play in strategic ministry planning?
  3. How can churches discern God's leading versus mere human opportunity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
יִתְקְע֖וּ1 of 10

When ye blow

H8628

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

תְּרוּעָ֥ה2 of 10

an alarm

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

שֵׁנִ֔ית3 of 10

the second time

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וְנָֽסְעוּ֙4 of 10

shall take their journey

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

הַֽמַּחֲנ֔וֹת5 of 10

then 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

הַֽחֹנִ֖ים6 of 10

that lie

H2583

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

תֵּימָ֑נָה7 of 10

on the south side

H8486

the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)

תְּרוּעָ֥ה8 of 10

an alarm

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

יִתְקְע֖וּ9 of 10

When ye blow

H8628

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

לְמַסְעֵיהֶֽם׃10 of 10

for their journeys

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)


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 10:6 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 10:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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