Numbers 10:4

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

But if only one is sounded, then the leaders, the heads of the clans of Israel, are to gather before you.

American Standard Version (1901)

And if they blow but one, then the princes, the heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee.

Bible in Basic English

If only one of them is sounded, then the chiefs, the heads of the thousands of Israel, are to come to you.

Free Bible Version

But if only one is blown, then only the tribal leaders are to gather before you.

King James (Authorized) Version

And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee.

One Unity Resource Bible

If they blow just one, then the princes, the heads of the thousands of Israel [God prevails], shall gather themselves to you.

Translation for Translators

If only one trumpet is blown, it means that only the twelve leaders of the tribes must gather together.

Unlocked Literal Bible

If the priests blow only one trumpet, then the leaders, the heads of the clans of Israel, must gather to you.

Noah Webster Bible

And if they blow but with one trumpet , then the princes, who are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall assemble themselves to thee.

World English Bible

If they blow just one, then the princes, the heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves to you.

Young's Literal Translation

And if with one they blow, then have the princes, heads of the thousands of Israel, met together unto thee;

Context

The Two Silver Trumpets

³When both are sounded, the whole congregation is to assemble before you at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.⁴But if only one is sounded, then the leaders, the heads of the clans of Israel, are to gather before you.

Summary

In Numbers 10:4, the silver trumpets were used as a means of communication in the Israelite community. When blown by the priests, the trumpets signaled various gatherings, movements, and times of worship. This verse highlights the importance of clear communication and unity among God's people, as the sound of the trumpets served to bring the community together and direct their actions according to God's instructions. The trumpets symbolize the role of spiritual leaders in guiding and unifying believers, ensuring that they are aligned with God's will and purposes.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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.