The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 10:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Make thee two trumpets of beaten silver, wherewith thou mayest call together the multitude when the camp is to be removed.

Douay-Rheims

עֲשֵׂ֣ה לְךָ֗ שְׁתֵּי֙ חֲצֽוֹצְרֹ֣ת כֶּ֔סֶף מִקְשָׁ֖ה תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה אֹתָ֑ם וְהָי֤וּ לְךָ֙ לְמִקְרָ֣א הָֽעֵדָ֔ה וּלְמַסַּ֖ע אֶת־הַֽמַּחֲנֽוֹת׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

Two trumpets: This signifies that the messages delivered in the churches come in two distinct forms. One form guides believers toward sound doctrine and reveals the false teachings of the corrupt, exemplified by those who ‘forbid marriage, and taught inconsistently to eat the things which God had made’ (1 Tim. 4:3). Additionally, it should be noted that Jewish teachers who dismissed what was ratified by Divine law as outdated and deemed it inconsequential led their followers to adhere to their own doctrines and human commandments. Furthermore, there were those who foolishly encouraged the justified to undergo circumcision, ‘that they might boast in your flesh,’ as stated (Galatians 6:13). Concerning these individuals, it is written, ‘Beware of dogs, beware of evil doers’ (Rev.

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22:15; Philippians 3:2). The second form of preaching calls for ethical correction and illuminates the path of life in Christ. The silver trumpets, made from highly refined material, symbolize the radiant clarity and unique purity found in both forms of preaching.

Ephraem the Syrian

4th centuryChurch Father

The fabricated trumpets resonated through the encampment of the Israelites in the desert, just as the apostle's message echoed to every nation. The faithful husband serves as an equivalent to the call of the trumpet.

Paterius of Brescia

7th centuryChurch Father

Craft for yourself two silver trumpets. These trumpets serve to rally the army, as through the dual commandments of love, the faithful are summoned to engage in the struggle for their beliefs. They should be fashioned from silver, ensuring that the messages of the ministers shine brightly, providing clarity to the minds of those who listen. They ought to be crafted with care, for it is essential that those who proclaim the promise of eternal life are strengthened by the trials of this present world. Indeed, it is declared, When ye sound the alarm, the camps shall rise. Although the preaching may be softer and more subdued, it ignites a fervent spirit within the listeners, prompting them to confront their temptations with vigor.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.