Numbers 10:4

4 But when only one trumpet is sounded, then only the leaders of the clans are to gather around 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 use for calling the people together and for breaking camp.
3 When long blasts are sounded on both trumpets, the whole community is to gather around you at the entrance to the Tent of my presence.
4 But when only one trumpet is sounded, then only the leaders of the clans are to gather around you.
5 When short blasts are sounded, the tribes camped on the east will move out.
6 When short blasts are sounded a second time, the tribes on the south will move out. So short blasts are to be sounded to break camp,
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.