When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward.

NUMBERS 10:5KJV
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Numbers 10:5 (KJV)

What does Numbers 10:5 mean?

Numbers 10:5 gives a specific instruction: when the Israelites hear the sound of an alarm blown on the trumpet, the camps positioned on the east side are to begin moving forward. This verse sets out how the people were to organize their journey in the wilderness by responding to a trumpet signal.

In this part of Numbers, Moses is relaying God’s directions to the Israelites as they prepare to travel from Mount Sinai. The “alarm” is a particular trumpet blast that signals a group to break camp and start moving. The verse highlights the orderly system God set up for the community’s travels, with each group knowing when to move based on their position around the tabernacle.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 10:5

  • “Blow” (תָּקַע, taqaʿ) means to sound or blast, especially with a trumpet or horn. Here, it refers to the priests using silver trumpets to give a clear signal.
  • “Alarm” (תְּרוּעָה, teruʿah) often means a loud, attention-grabbing sound—sometimes a shout, but here a specific trumpet call. It’s not just any blast, but a distinctive one that told people to get ready to move.
  • “Camps” (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh) refers to the organized groups of tribes encamped around the tabernacle. Each camp had a set place and order for travel.
  • “Forward” (נָסַע, nasaʿ) means to set out or pull up stakes. It’s the action of breaking camp and beginning the journey.

Why Numbers 10:5 matters

  • Numbers 10:5 shows that Israel’s movement in the wilderness was not chaotic; it was carefully organized, with each group waiting for their specific signal.
  • The verse clarifies that the trumpet alarm was not a general call, but a precise instruction for a particular group (those on the east) to move at the right time.
  • This instruction connects to the larger passage, where God gives detailed guidance for how the whole community should travel, emphasizing order and obedience.

Where else these words appear

“alarm” Hebrew H8643 · used in 33 verses

  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • 2 Samuel 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
  • Psalms 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

“blow” Hebrew H8628 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 31:25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.
  • Judges 7:20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
  • Proverbs 6:1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

“parts” Hebrew H6924 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Joshua 19:12 And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,
  • Psalms 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

“lie” Hebrew H2583 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Numbers 33:11 And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
  • Judges 6:33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.