Numbers 10:4

4 However, if one is sounded, only the leaders, the heads of Israel's clans,^[a] are to gather before you.

Numbers 10:4 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 10:4

And if they blow [but] with one [trumpet]
With only one of them, or but once, with one sounding, and that an even one as before:

then the princes, [which are] the heads of the thousands of Israel,
shall gather themselves unto thee:
and they only or alone, as Aben Ezra: by this token, or by this difference of blowing both trumpets, or only one, it was, easily known when the whole congregation or when the princes only were to meet Moses at the same place, the door of the tabernacle of the congregation; and all are to attend divine service, and the ministry of the word, even the whole church of God, and all the members of it, high and low, rich and poor, princes and people.

Numbers 10:4 In-Context

2 "Make two trumpets of hammered silver to summon the community and have the camps set out.

3 When both are sounded in long blasts, the entire community is to gather before you at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

4 However, if one is sounded, only the leaders, the heads of Israel's clans, are to gather before you.

5 "When you sound short blasts, the camps pitched on the east are to set out.

6 When you sound short blasts a second time, the camps pitched on the south are to set out. Short blasts are to be sounded for them to set out.

Footnotes

• [a]. Nm 1:5-16