10:2 two trumpets of silver. As indicated, these specially formed silver trumpets had two main purposes, both of vital importance–calling an assembly and signaling movement of the camp. Both procedures indicate the ordered planning so essential in governing such a huge multitude of men, women, children and animals.

10:3 all the assembly. It is obvious that the two million or so people in the camp could not all be precisely at the door of the tabernacle. However, by standing shoulder-to-shoulder, they could all be within a half-mile of the door, even if all the women and children were present, which is unlikely. They would at least be able to see Moses–as well as the glory cloud–and many could hear him. It would be easy for his instructions to be passed through the crowd quickly. In most cases, no doubt, just one trumpet would blow and only the princes would assemble, who could then convey the message back to the people under their command.

10:12 wilderness of Paran. On leaving Mount Sinai, the Israelites headed northeastward toward the wilderness of Paran, on the way to the promised land, in the careful order prescribed in Numbers 2. This would have been an appropriate staging area for the intended conquest of the land, but it took some time before reaching it (Numbers 12:16).

10:25 rereward. That is, “rear guard.”

10:29 Raguel. Raguel is another form of the name Reuel, which in turn was an alternate name for Jethro (Exodus 2:18; 3:1); Hobab (mentioned here only) was Moses’ brother-in-law.