Biblical Parade Songs

 [This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.] 

Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“Make two trumpets of hammered silver to be used for calling the congregation and for having the camps set out. 3When both are sounded, the whole congregation is to assemble before you at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 4But if only one is sounded, then the leaders, the heads of the clans of Israel, are to gather before you.

5When you sound short blasts, the camps that lie on the east side are to set out. 6When you sound the short blasts a second time, the camps that lie on the south side are to set out. The blasts are to signal them to set out.7To convene the assembly, you are to sound long blasts, not short ones. 8The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to sound the trumpets. This shall be a permanent statute for you and the generations to come.

9When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who attacks you, sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. 10And on your joyous occasions, your appointed feasts, and the beginning of each month, you are to blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to serve as a reminder for you before your God. I am the LORD your God.” (Numbers 10:1-10) 

From the film, The Music Man 

source: Letterboxd

What kid, young or old, doesn't love a parade? There is something inherently appealing about an orchestrated column of people moving past you for entertainment purposes. My favorite part while growing up was the clowns who would throw us candy as we stood by the side of the road enjoying the show.

God, of course, knows this about us--our likes and our dislikes--and I can't help but feel that in spite of the solemness of some of the occasions where He ordained the use of trumpets, like a good producer, He gave the people what He knew they would like and appreciate. 

Paul the Apostle writes about Christ being the new Grand Marshall and replacing Moses who was just a type and shadow of the true Messiah. In 2 Corinthians 2:14 he states: But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

So let's pick up our steps and make a show of joy at being redeemed to a dying world and maybe some of the spectators on the sidelines will join the saints on to the Heavenly Kingdom that will soon be revealed for those of us found in Christ Jesus.