Dr Paul Allen

In days of gladness and in times of war the blast of the trumpet was a familiar sound in Israel. It was the voice of Jehovah, and the commands that the Lord gave by means of the trumpets were given on the ground of redemption. As Israel was His redeemed people, He claimed their obedience. The trumpets, as emblematic of the voice of God, were to be blown only by the priests, v. 8, men who had been cleansed and commissioned, Num. 8:6–15. These men were to make known the Lord’s will to the people. As Israel was dependent on the sound of the trumpet, so we are dependent as His people on the teaching of His word. Conviction in the use of the trumpet is necessary as it must not give an uncertain sound, 1 Cor. 14:8. They were used for the gathering of Israel, v. 3, and God still calls His people together, Heb. 10:25; Matt. 18:20. They were used when the people journeyed, v. 2, and we are not to settle down in this scene. We are but passing through. They were to be blown in days of gladnes...

English: Gideon and His Three Hundred; as in Judges 7:9-23; illustration from a Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) “Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, ‘A sword for the Lord and for Gideon !’” Judges 7:20 Gideon ordered his men to do two things: covering up a torch in an earthen pitcher, he bade them, at an appointed signal, break the pitcher and let the light shine, and then sound with the trumpet, crying, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon! A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” This is precisely what all Christians must do. First, you must shine; break the pitcher which conceals your light; throw aside the bushel which has been hiding your candle, and shine. Let your light shine before men; let your good works be such, that when men look upon you, they shall know that you have been with Jes...