Alarm

Alarm - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

A particular quivering sound of the silver trumpets to give warning to the Hebrews on their journey through the wilderness (Num. 10:5, 6), a call to arms, or a war-note (Jer. 4:19; 49:2; Zeph. 1:16).

Alarm - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

AL'ARM, n.

1. Any sound, outcry or information intended to give notice of approaching danger as, to sound an alarm.

2. A summon to arms.

3. Sudden surprise with fear or terror; as, the fire or the enemy excited an alarm.

4. Terror; a sensation excited by an apprehension of danger, from whatever cause; as, we felt an alarm at the cry of fire.

5. In fencing, an appeal or challenge.

AL'ARM, v.t.

1. To give notice of danger; to rouse to vigilance, and exertions for safety.

2. To call to arms for defense.

3. To surprise with apprehension of danger; to disturb with terror; to fill with anxiety by the prospect of evil.

a-larm' (teru`ah): This expression is found six times in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word so rendered is derived from a verb meaning "to shout" or "blow a horn," as a signal for breaking up camp, starting on a journey or into battle, or in triumphant shout over the defeat of enemies. In a few instances it is employed of a cry of despair or distress. The noun teru`ah translated "alarm" in Nu 10:5 f refers to the signal given the people of Israel to start on their journey in the Wilderness. The passages in Jer (4:19; 49:2) both refer to the summons for war. The same is true of Ze 1:16. The law concerning the sounding of the alarm is fully stated in Nu 10:1-10. Here we read that two silver trumpets of beaten work were sounded by the sons of Aaron in case of war and also "in the day of .... gladness" to gather the people together for the various feasts, new moons, sacrifices and offerings.

W. W. Davies

Definition

An alarm is something that warns people about something that could harm them. To “be alarmed” is to be very worried and frightened about something dangerous or threatening.

• King Jehoshapat was alarmed when he heard that the Moabites were planning to attack the kingdom of Judah.
• Jesus told his disciples not to be alarmed when they hear about disasters happening in the last days.
• The expression “sound an alarm” means to give a warning. In ancient times, a person could sound an alarm by making a noise.

Translation Suggestions

• To “alarm someone” means to “cause someone to worry” or to “worry someone.”
• To “be alarmed” could be translated as “be worried” or “be frightened” or “be very concerned.”
• The expression “sound an alarm” could be translated by “publicly warn” or “announce that danger is coming” or “blow a trumpet to warn about danger.”

(See also: Jehoshaphat, Moab)

Bible References

• Daniel 11:44-45
• Jeremiah 4:19-20
• Numbers 10:9

Word Data

• Strong’s: H7321, H8643