1 Corinthians 14:8

“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, etc.] That is not plain and manifest, so as that it cannot be known on what account it is given: who shall prepare himself to the battle? the allusion is to the custom of many nations, Jews and others, who, when about to engage in war, made use of musical instruments, particularly the trumpet, to gather the soldiers together, prepare them for the battle, give them notice of it, and animate them to it f285; the sound of the trumpet was the alarm of war; (see <240405> Jeremiah 4:5,19,21 <183925>Job 39:25). And particularly the allusion may be to the two silver trumpets, ordered by God to Moses for the Jews, which were to be made of a whole piece, and…”

“Translate, "For if also," an additional step in the argument. uncertain sound--having no definite meaning: whereas it ought to be so marked that one succession of notes on the trumpet should summon the soldiers to attack; another, to retreat; another, to some other evolution.”

“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound - The trumpet was used commonly in war. It is a well-known wind instrument, and was made of brass, silver, etc. It was used for various purposes in war - to summon the soldiers; to animate them in their march; to call them forth to battle; to sound a retreat; and to signify to them what they were to do in battle, whether to charge, advance, or retreat, etc. It therefore employed a “language” which was intelligible to an army. An uncertain sound was one in which none of these things were indicated, or in which it could not be determined what was required. Who shall prepare himself ... - The apostle selects a single instance of what was indicated by…”

“Who will prepare himself for the battle - Unless he understand what the trumpet sounds? suppose a retreat or a march. 1 Corinthians 14:9”

“Num 10:9; Josh. 6:4-20; Jdg 7:16-18; Neh 4:18-21; Job 39:24, Job 39:25; Isa 27:13; Amo 3:6; Eph 6:11-18 1 Corinthians 14:9”