Numbers 10: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Numbers 10 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh spoke to Moses about making two trumpets of silver for calling the congregation and directing the journey (vv. 1-2). When both trumpets are blown, the entire congregation gathers at the Tent of Meeting; if one is blown, only the leaders gather (vv.

Key verse

“When you blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall go forward.”
Numbers 10:5 (WEB)

Outline

Numbers 10:1–2 Instructions for the Trumpets
Numbers 10:3–8 Purpose of the Trumpets
Numbers 10:9–10 War and Worship
Numbers 10:11–12 Departure from Sinai
Numbers 10:13–28 Order of the Tribes' March
Numbers 10:29–32 Moses and Hobab
Numbers 10:33–36 God's Guidance in Movement

Discussion questions

In v2, what is the purpose of the 'two trumpets of silver'?
Who is responsible for blowing the trumpets in v8?
Moses' invitation to Hobab in vv. 29-32: what does it suggest about Israel's need for guidance?
In v35, what does Moses' command, 'Rise up, Yahweh,' indicate about Israel's understanding of God's presence?
When have you felt the need for guidance like the Israelites did in v33?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Numbers 10: Numbers 2, Numbers 1, Numbers 7.

Before next time: read Numbers 11.