Numbers 10

1. Make thee two trumpets. One for each of Aaron’s sons. Others were afterwards added, in Solomon’s time, to the number of 120; see 2 Chron.

v. 12. As a different word (connected in Josh. vi. 6 with the mention of horns) is always applied to the jubilee trumpets, it has been supposed that these were not used then. The sound of the trumpet became to the Hebrews a symbol of religious joy (see Psa. lxxxix. 15), and it aptly represents the message of the Gospel. The form of these trumpets, which were straight, is seen on the Arch of Titus at Rome.

9 shall be remembered. As this blowing of the trumpets was appointed by God, it was to be regarded by the Israelites as a token of Divine remembrance and deliverance. Cp. xxxi. 6; 2 Chron. xiii. 12, 14.

11 the second year. The period since the erection of the tabernacle on the first day of the first month in the second year after the departure from Egypt is thus calculated: Seven days were spent in the consecration of the tabernacle and its furniture. On the eighth, Moses began the consecration of Aaron and his sons, which lasted seven days. On the fourteenth began the Passover, which lasted till the twenty-second. The rest of the month may have been occupied in receiving and delivering the laws contained in Leviticus. On the first day of the second month, Moses began to number the people, which might occupy three days. On the fourth, the Levites were numbered. On the fifth, they were presented to God, and given to the priests. On the sixth, they were consecrated. On the seventh, their several charges were given to them. After this, the princes began their offerings, which lasted from the eighth to the nineteenth; and on the twentieth day of the second month in the second year the people removed from Sinai.

12. Paran. The name “Paran” seems to be applied to the sandy desert now called er-Ramleh, as well as the great central desert of the peninsula named et-Tih. See xii. 16; xiii. 3. The Israelites probably crossed its eastern side, where the route is always dreary, and often harassing.

17 the tabernacle was taken down. i.e., the curtains and boards were removed by the Gershonites and Merarites, who followed immediately after Judah’s division, so that, on reaching the place of encampment, they might set up the tabernacle before the arrival of the Kohathites (ver. 21).

21 the sanctuary. Meaning here the hallowed utensils (see xviii. 29) which the Kohathites were appointed to carry. See on iv. 33.

29. Hobab. Hobab had probably remained behind with Moses, when his father Jethro left the camp. As the Israelites were now removing from Sinai, and going to a distance from his own country, he wished to return home. His answer to Moses’ request is not recorded; but, from Judges i. 16; iv. 11, and 1 Sam. xv. 6, it appears probable that Hobab complied.

31 instead of eyes. Though the pillar of cloud would mark the direction and length of their daily journeys, the people would still need information as to the nature of the ground, the situation and qualities of the springs and the pasturages, the collection of fuel, and many other particulars. Hobab’s presence would also facilitate any intercourse they might need to hold with neighbouring tribes.

33 went before them. Separated from the rest of the “hallowed things” (ver. 21), and carried by the priests in front of the whole procession, as the leader and guide of the route. Cp. Josh. iii. 3-6.