Today's reading describes some of the wilderness experiences of the nation of Israel, and in them we can see the experiences of Christians today.

In verses 1-10 of chapter 10, we see that God gives warning when we need it. The two trumpets were made of silver (a metal that speaks of redemption) and were used to call the assemblies for the journeying of the camp. The Priests and Levites lived right next to the Tabernacle, and they would be the first ones to see the cloud moving. It would be their responsibility to warn the camp.

As you read these verses you see that the trumpets were used for several purposes: to assemble the camp at the door of the Tabernacle; to call the heads of the tribes together; to blow an alarm, either for war or for the journeying of the camp; and to announce the special days, the new moons, etc. The children of Israel knew the certain sounds of the trumpet and the exact meanings of each.

All born-again believers today are listening for the sound of the trumpet, which will mean the Rapture of the Church (I Corinthians 15:51-53; I Thessalonians 4:16,17). The sound of the trumpet will be heard by only those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

God chastens His people in chapters 11 and 12. After the remarkable evidences of God's love in chapters 9 and 10, it is almost unbelievable that we now find the people complaining. Yet such is human nature. All too often we forget the miraculous ways in which God has blessed us, and criticize and complain because of the situations in which we are living. We should realize that God is bigger than any of our problems, and will see us through any situation if we will only put our faith and trust in Him.

We are told to "do all things without murmurings and disputings" (Philippians 2:14). If we are to be the blameless sons of God, and without rebuke in this crooked and perverse nation, we must obey His Word.


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