Num. 10 Two trumpets of silver commanded to be made; with a direction to what end, when, how, by whom, and with what success they should be used, Num. 10:1–10. The Israelites remove to Paran: the order in which they go, Num. 10:11–28.

Two trumpets, for Aaron’s two sons; though afterwards the number of trumpets was much increased, as the number of the priests also was. See 2 Chron. 5:12 These trumpets were ordained, both for signification of the great duty of ministers, to wit, to preach the word; and for use, as here follows.

When they, i.e. the priests, by comparing this with Num. 10:8, shall blow with them, i.e. with both of them, by comparing this with the next verse.

To wit, when ye blow once, as appears from Num. 10:6.

As a sign for them to march forward, and consequently for the rest to follow them, which is easily understood out of these words.

The sons of Aaron shall blow, to oblige them to the greater regard and observance, as if God himself had called them.

Which was practised accordingly. See Num. 31:6, 2 Chron. 13:12. Ye shall be saved from your enemies, if you use this ordinance of God with trust and dependence upon God for help, which condition is necessarily to be understood from divers others scriptures, where it is expressed.

Days of your gladness, i.e. days appointed for rejoicing and thanksgiving to God, either for former mercies, or for succeeding deliverances, as Est. 9:18;c. Compare Hos. 2:11. Your solemn days; your stated and constant festivals. The beginnings of months, of which see Ps. 81:3.

From which they travelled to other places, and then returned into it again, Num. 12:16.

The other, i.e. the Gershonites and Merarites, as is evident both from their work and office, which was to take down and set up the tabernacle, Num. 3:25–26, Num. 4:22–33; and from Num.

Raguel, called also Reuel, Ex. 2:18, who seems to be the same who is called Jethro, Ex. 3:1, it being usual in Scripture for one person to have two or three names.

So he might truly and sincerely say, though after this speech he was overcome by the entreaties and persuasions of Moses. Or he did go and settle his affairs, and afterwards return; for we find his posterity settled among the Israelites. See Judg. 1:16, Judg. 4:11, Judg. 4:18;c.

To direct and guide us; for though the cloud determined them to a general place, yet many particulars might be uncertain and unknown to Moses, wherein Hobab, having long lived in those parts, might be able to advise him, as concerning the conveniences of water for their cattle, concerning the…

Three days’ journey, with continued journeys, only it seems most probable that the cloud made little pauses, that they might have time for sleep and necessary refreshments, which their natures required.

And by night too, as was expressed before. So we must learn to compare places of Scripture, and to supply the defects of one out of another, as we do in all authors.

Or, give rest, i.e. a safe and quiet place, from enemies and dangers.