A special signal was first given by the trumpeters to call the attention of the people; then all were to be attentive and obey the certain sound of the trumpets. There was no confusion of sound in the voices of the trumpets, therefore there was no excuse for confusion in movements. The head officer of each company gave definite directions in regard to the movements they were required to make, and none who gave attention were left in ignorance of what they were to do. If any failed to comply with the requirements given by the Lord to Moses, and by Moses to the people, they were punished with death. It would be no excuse to plead that they knew not the nature of these requirements, for they would only prove themselves willingly ignorant, and would receive the just punishment for their transgression. If they did not know the will of God concerning them, it was their own fault. They had the same opportunities to obtain the knowledge imparted as others of the people had, therefore their sin…
"Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps."
The EGW passage directly discusses the use of trumpets for signaling and directing the people, drawing a clear parallel to the instructions given in Numbers 10:2 regarding the creation and use of silver trumpets for calling assemblies and directing the movement of camps. The EGW passage elaborates on the importance of clear signals and obedience, which is based on the principle established in Numbers.
"When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward."
The EGW passage directly references and expands upon the idea of clear signals and obedience to God's commands as exemplified by the trumpets in Numbers. The consequence of disobedience is also highlighted in both passages.
"And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord."
Both passages deal with the consequences of disobeying God's specific instructions regarding worship and sacred things, resulting in immediate death. The EGW passage uses the principle illustrated in Leviticus 10:1-2 to emphasize the importance of obedience and reverence in religious service.
"And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies."
Both passages discuss the use of trumpets. While Numbers 10:9 specifically mentions using trumpets as an alarm in times of war to be remembered by God, the EGW passage discusses the importance of clear trumpet signals for direction and obedience. The underlying theme is the use of trumpets as a means of communication and divine guidance, even if the specific application differs.