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Numbers 10:2 - Divine silver call to gather

Numbers 10:2 - במדבר 10:2

Hebrew Text

עֲשֵׂה לְךָ שְׁתֵּי חֲצוֹצְרֹת כֶּסֶף מִקְשָׁה תַּעֲשֶׂה אֹתָם וְהָיוּ לְךָ לְמִקְרָא הָעֵדָה וּלְמַסַּע אֶת־הַמַּחֲנוֹת׃

English Translation

Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou shalt use them for calling the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.

Transliteration

Ase lekha shtey khatsotserot kesef miksha ta'ase otam vehayu lekha lemikra ha'edah ulemasa et hamakhanot.

Hebrew Leining Text

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

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Command to Make Silver Trumpets

The verse (Bamidbar 10:2) commands Moshe to make two silver trumpets (chatzotzrot kesef) for specific communal purposes. Rashi explains that these trumpets were to be fashioned from a single piece of beaten silver (miksha), not assembled from separate parts. This method of construction symbolizes unity and integrity in serving Hashem.

Purpose of the Trumpets

The verse outlines two primary functions for the trumpets:

  • Calling the Assembly (mikra ha'edah): Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:4) explains that different trumpet blasts were used to summon either the entire congregation or just the leaders. The Talmud (Arachin 10b) notes that the trumpets were blown to gather the people for mitzvot, Torah study, or urgent matters.
  • Journeying of the Camps (massa hamachanot): Rashi states that a unique blast signaled when the tribes should begin their travels in the wilderness. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:12) adds that the sound of the trumpets represented divine guidance, as the cloud of Hashem's presence would only move after the trumpets were sounded.

Symbolism of Silver

The choice of silver (kesef) carries deeper meaning. The Kli Yakar connects it to the concept of kesef (yearning), as the trumpets stirred the hearts of Bnei Yisrael to yearn for closeness to Hashem. Additionally, the Sforno notes that silver, a precious metal, signifies the elevated status of the Jewish people when gathered for sacred purposes.

Two Trumpets

The requirement for two trumpets, as explained by the Chizkuni, teaches that proper leadership requires balance—one trumpet might symbolize authority, while two represent consultation and collective responsibility. The Vilna Gaon suggests that the dual trumpets allude to the two tablets of the Torah, emphasizing that both assembly and travel must be guided by Torah principles.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 27a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws concerning the use of trumpets for calling assemblies and journeying, particularly in relation to the festivals and the New Moon.
📖 Arakhin 10b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the materials and construction of the trumpets used in the Temple service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were the trumpets made of silver according to Jewish tradition?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 10:2), the trumpets were made specifically of silver because silver symbolizes purity and refinement. The sound of the silver trumpets was meant to inspire spiritual awakening and gather the people for holy purposes.
Q: What were the two main purposes of the silver trumpets in the Torah?
A: The verse states two primary purposes: 1) 'to call the assembly' (לְמִקְרָא הָעֵדָה) - gathering the people for mitzvot or announcements, and 2) 'for the journeying of the camps' (וּלְמַסַּע אֶת־הַמַּחֲנוֹת) - signaling when the Israelites should begin traveling in the wilderness (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:2-5).
Q: How many trumpets were commanded to be made and why?
A: The verse commands making exactly two silver trumpets. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:15) explains that two trumpets were needed to represent the dual aspects of Jewish life: one for spiritual matters (like calling assemblies) and one for practical matters (like traveling).
Q: Do we still use these silver trumpets today in Jewish practice?
A: While we no longer have the original silver trumpets, the shofar (ram's horn) is used today for similar purposes like calling the community during Rosh Hashanah. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 26b) discusses the relationship between the trumpets and shofar in Jewish tradition.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the commandment to make silver trumpets?
A: The Sages teach that the trumpets represent the importance of clear communication in Jewish life. Just as the trumpets gave distinct sounds for different purposes (Rashi on Numbers 10:5-7), we must communicate Torah values clearly and inspire others through proper channels (based on Mishlei 25:12).