MPV Commentary

2. Make two trumpets of silver—These trumpets were made to summon the people for worship and were unlike those used in Egypt, which were curved like rams' horns. The ones Moses made were straight, about a cubit long, with tubes as thick as a flute. Both ends resembled modern trumpets. They were made of solid silver, ensuring a clear and distinct sound. There were two of them, likely because there were only two sons of Aaron; however, the number was later increased (Jos 6:8; 2Ch 5:12). Although the camp had over 2.5 million people, two trumpets would suffice, as sound travels easily through clean air and resonates well in valleys.

3-7. When they blew these trumpets with different loudness and notes, it signaled various occasions. A uniform sound from both trumpets summoned a general assembly of the people; a single trumpet called the princes to discuss public matters; and other sounds indicated an alarm for travel or war. One specific signal alerted the eastern division (Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun) to move out; two signals signaled the southern division; three alarms were for the western division; and four blasts signaled the northern division to depart. This system maintained order and discipline in the Israelite camp.

8. The sons of Aaron, as priests, would blow these trumpets—Only the priests could perform this task, as it required attention and obedience from the people. By reserving this duty for the priests, God's ministers, they attracted greater notice and ensured faithful observance. This practice was similar to ancient Persia and other Eastern countries, where alarm trumpets were sounded from the sovereign's tent.

9. If you go to war—When the Israelites went to battle in Canaan or defended against invaders, the priests would blow an alarm (Nu 31:6; 2Ch 13:12). This act was a devout expression of confidence in God and often animated those who felt they were fighting for a just cause. The blowing of the trumpet, as an ordinance of God, produced this effect on the Israelites.

10. Also on festive days and solemn occasions—The trumpets would usher in these celebrations (Ps 81:3; 2Ch 29:27) to convey joyous feelings and delighted engagement with God's service.

11. On the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year—After eleven months and twenty-nine days at Sinai, the Israelites departed for the wilderness of Paran, which stretched from the base of the Sinaitic range to the southwestern borders of Palestine.

13-27. The children of Israel took their journey by the hand of Moses—Moses likely stationed himself on a high point to oversee the ranks as they marched through the mountains. The marching order is described (Nu 2:1-34), but note the care taken to ensure the safe conveyance of holy things. In the rear of Judah, which led the van with Issachar and Zebulun, followed the Gershonites and Merarites with heavy tabernacle materials. Next were the flank divisions of Reuben and Ephraim; then came the Kohathites, bearing sacred utensils on their shoulders. They were positioned behind other Levitical groups to allow them time to set up the tabernacle framework before arriving at the new encampment.

29. Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite—Hobab, a relative and friend of Moses, had sojourned with the Israelites during their Sinai stay and now proposed returning home. Moses urged him to remain for his own benefit and for the useful services he could provide as a nomad.

31. Leave us not, I pray thee ... and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes—Moses' earnest request to keep Hobab's company has been surprising to some, but it was necessary due to the cloud's general guidance, which did not specify every detail like pasture, shade, or water locations.

32. If thou go with us ... what goodness the Lord will show unto us, the same will we do unto thee—Moses offered Hobab a strong incentive to stay, but he ultimately departed and settled in his own district.

33. They departed three days' journey—the first day's progress was small, about eighteen or twenty miles.

35-36. When the ark set forward, Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered—Moses prayed at the beginning and end of each journey (Ex 33:15), sanctifying their travels with devotion.