“When you hear the sound of the trumpet, run to the place where it sounds. Then our God will fight for us! » (Neh. 4:20, NLT).
Nehemiah had shown his courage, yes, but things had gotten complicated. Sanballat turned against him and spoke to the army of Samaria to mock the Jews and plan the attack against them. Tobias also despised them and, together with the Arabs, the other Ammonites, and those of Ashdod, they fell into the clutches of unhappiness and conspired to attack Jerusalem. Why in the grip of unhappiness? Because everytime we can’t bear to see that our enemy (or friend) is succeeding and advancing in his purposes, we rob the place of genuine joy and give way to envy and unhappiness.
Now the faithful workers who saw their repair work progress had to continually guard against enemy attacks. With one hand they built and in the other they brandished a sword, just in case. All the families were on guard. As the work was large and extensive, and they were all very separated from each other, it was agreed that the sound of the trumpet would bring them together.
The trumpets that sounded in the exodus at different times prior to battles, and when declaring important news, were used throughout history as an instrument of alarm and reunion. They will sound at the Second Coming as well.
They are characterized by their bright, sharp and penetrating sound.
In this story, the trumpeter was located near Nehemiah to give the indication.
Perhaps today in our midst, the trumpets were replaced by the whistles in the Pathfinder Club, but they are still an instrument that reminds us of one of our functions.
We must be vigilant. We must be close to the leader. We must acknowledge the call. We must obey it.
In what areas of your life do you think a trumpet would sound to raise the alarm that something is wrong? How can you use the means at your disposal to draw attention to the great meeting that will take place?
In addition to meditating on these questions, I invite you to pray for your leaders; to be close to them; to work hand in hand, not against him; to be ready to call others when directed; to continue rebuilding together with them, until the Leader of leaders arrives and takes us to the Heavenly Homeland.
