The Trumpet’s “Uncertain Sound”

The trumpet has a very long history, having been used in ancient Egypt, the Near East, and Greece. The trumpet used by Israel at the time of Moses (and in other nearby countries) was used as a signaling device sounding only one or two tones. During this period the trumpet’s few tones were used for signaling, announcing, commanding, and military purposes. Today a trumpet can be sounded to give recognizably different signals, and is also used for musical purposes.¹

When Israel was in the wilderness, silver trumpets were used for signaling the people to prepare for certain specific actions. Depending on the occasion the calls produced were different. For example, both trumpets were blown when all the assembly was called together and “…for the journeying of the camps” (Num. 10:3-7). But different sounds were produced for each occasion. When Israel was to break camp, the trumpet produced a penetrating sound, called “an alarm” in the King James Version [‘a loud noise’: Strong’s] that summoned camps from the east or west to set out.

“When you blow an alarm, the camps that are on the east side shall set out. And when you blow an alarm the second time, the camps that are on the south side shall set out. An alarm is to be blown whenever they are to set out. But when the assembly is to be gathered together, you shall blow a long blast, but you shall not sound an alarm” (Num. 10:5-7).

Only one trumpet was blown to call Israel’s tribal leaders together.

“But if they blow only one (trumpet) then the chiefs, the heads of the tribes of Israel, shall gather themselves to you (Moses)” (Num 10:4).

Similarly the trumpet was used to issue both a call to arms (1 Sam. 13:3) and to stop fighting.

“So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more” (2 Sam 2:28).

It was essential to know, from the sound, what message was intended.

In the New Testament, in the early church, the Holy Spirit was actively at work through a variety of supernatural gifts bestowed on individuals.

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Cor. 12:4-7).

Unfortunately, in Corinth, what should have been a blessing had become a source of rivalry, discord and disordered meetings (1 Cor. 14:33,40).

One of the most coveted of these gifts was that of “tongues”. Impressive as it was, however, it was without meaning to the speaker:

“For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understand­ing is unfruitful” (1 Cor. 14:14).

Speaking in tongues was also without understanding to the hearers:

“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries” (1 Cor. 14:2).

However, if the tongue could be interpreted, then it was of benefit:

“Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret… If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church: and let him speak to himself and to God” (1 Cor. 14:13,27,28).

It was as meaningless as listening to someone whose language we haven’t learned or as unrecognizable as the efforts of an incompetent player on lute or flute or military trumpet:

“Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?” (1 Cor. 14:6,7).

Paul stressed the need to concentrate on what benefited the community:

“The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encour­agement and consolation… When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up” (1 Cor. 14:3,26, ESV).

Words are for meaningful and, if possible, helpful communication. Sounds without meaning are jangle or gibberish. Is it always our aim to be understood? If we are teaching, preaching or talking in private, are our words and illustrations under­standable to our hearers? Do we consider their needs and their existing knowledge and interests? Is our message relevant, comprehensible and helpful? For, as Paul reminds us, “If the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” (1 Cor. 14:8).

1. The New Harvard Dictionary of Music, Editor, Don Randel,1986, p. 880.