1 Corinthians 14:8 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? If the trumpet give an uncertain sound - If, when the soldier should prepare himself for the battle, the trumpet should give a different sound to that which is ordinarily used on such occasions, the soldier is not informed of what he should do, and therefore does not arm himself; consequently, that vague, unintelligible sound of the trumpet, is of no use.