Heavy Trumpetting
Numbers 10: 1-10
So Moses is told to create two trumpets out of hammered silver and that these trumpets would replace the Israelite batsign, or ambulance siren, or whatever notification system they happened to have in place at the time. God sets out a code for the Israelites for their Gillespie-ian mode of communication.

Both horns being blown indicates a meeting of the whole community at, approopriately enough, the Tent of Meeting. If only one horn is blown, the community leaders will come to where the people are for said meeting.

Now if the horns are blown with a certain signal, they indicate the need to set out from home. One blast means people in the east are to head out- the second blast means that the southern folks do the same. I'm guessing the trumpet blasts would usually be disruptive to the routine of the Israelite life. You've worked a long day and you're looking forward to a bowl of cheetos and an hour of The Is-real World and suddenly a change of plans, pack up the tent and head out. But maybe this is part of the point- a reminder that your days are not your own. You're not calling the shots- and your role is to be at the ready.

Then comes the part I think is the coolest. Aaron's sons are to be the trumpeters- and this ordinance is to be handed down. Now, when the Israelites are in battle and things aren't going so well- a blow from the trumpet indicates that you need a little help in the whole smiting department... God will remember you and rescue you- whether any smiting happens is unclear- but the trumpet blast brings relief.

I think it's pretty cool to think about Louis Armstrong (or just music in general) being a conduit to get help from God- but even more significantly, it's very interesting to think about this "magic horn" that will alert God to trouble and bring on His salvation. It does lead to some questions though. Would this be an easy thing to abuse? If you don't leave us alone, I'll blow this trumpet and then you'll be sorry. I guess limiting who can blow the horn would help with that issue.

Would it be easy to shift faith in God to faith in the trumpet? As long as we have the horn and breath to blow it, we'll be ok is a very different sentiment than as long as we have God we can overcome anything.

Why does God need a trumpet blast to remember me? Isn't He looking down already? Doesn't He know my needs before I ask them? Is the trumpet then just a symbol to remind them that God is there ready to help? It's a musical placebo. The only value there is that it gives the warriors confidence reminding them that God remembers them.

Finally, the trumpets serve as celebratory tools. they are to be used for rejoicing and festivals and feasts. They are to be sounded over burnt offerings and fellowship offerings and memorials. Aah, the power of music (even two trumpets) to raise spirits, create mood, bring people together, and invoke response from God.

Anyone for some Miles Davis?