Numbers 10:1-10 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,… 1. The trumpets and their use were commanded by God. He blesses men, saves men by the use of the means which He has appointed. 2. The trumpets were to be blown by the priests. Every Christian is now a priest, but the ministers of the gospel are especially the heralds of the Divine messages. 3. The trumpets were to be blown in accordance with clear and well-understood instructions. When they were to blow one trumpet only, and when they were to blow both; when the short, sharp, broken notes, and when the long and continuous peal — these things were clearly explained and enjoined. There was to be no uncertainty as to the meaning of the signals. The meaning of the sounds of the gospel trumpet should be equally and unmistakably clear (1 Corinthians 14:7, 8.) 4. The trumpets were to be blown at different seasons and for different purposes — for conventions, for journeyings, for battles, for festivals, &c. In this we have an illustration of the relation of the gospel ministry to the seasons and services of the Christian life.We proceed to offer some hints on the analogy. The silver trumpets were used I. FOR THE CALLING OF ASSEMBLIES. The ministry of the gospel should draw men together, even as the silver trumpets convened the assemblies of Israel. II. FOR SUMMONING THE PEOPLE TO ADVANCE. The Christian minister is required to summon the people to arise and "go forward" in their upward pilgrimage. He summons them to advance — 1. In personal holiness. He exhorts them to "follow on to know the Lord," to "grow in grace," to "forget those things which are behind," &c. (Philippians 3:13, 14). 2. In personal and collective usefulness. He should incite both individuals and Churches to more diligent and devoted services in the cause of Christ. III. FOR ENCOURAGING THE PEOPLE IN BATTLE. Like the priests with the silver trumpets the minister of the gospel should — 1. Encourage Christians to battle against evil. 2. By inciting them to trust in God. He gives the victory. IV. FOR SUITABLY OBSERVING SEASONS OF SPECIAL INTEREST. 1. Seasons of joy. "In the days of your gladness ye shall blow with the trumpets," &c. The gospel aims at the consecration and promotion of human gladness. "That My joy might remain in you, and your joy might be full." "Rejoice in the Lord alway" "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." "Believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." The gospel forbids no pure delight, but hallows and increases it. 2. Seasons of solemnity. "In your solemn days ye shall blow with the trumpets," &c. There are many solemn days in life — days of mental conflict, of spiritual darkness, of social bereavement, &c. In such days the hopeful and helpful sounds of the gospel trumpet are peculiarly precious. 3. Closing and commencing seasons. "And in the beginnings of your months ye shall blow," &c. (W. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, |
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