IN two carefully worded passages within the five books of Moses, is an instruction for God's people to observe what has become known as the Feast of Trumpets, or 'Rosh Hashana' among the Jews (Lev. 23:23–25; Num. 29:1–6). This feast is set specifically on the first day of the seventh month, and all the tribes of Israel were commanded to rest from their work, celebrate, and present offering sacrifices to the Lord. They were called to observe this day with the distinctive blowing of trumpets (orig. a ram's horn or 'shofar').
Why is the feast still important today?
Though the feast is addressed only briefly in Scripture, we see three ways it’s very significant.
First, it’s celebrated on the first day of the seventh month. Not all numbers are significant in the Bible, but the number seven carries connotations of perfection or holiness. Just as the seventh day of the week is holy, so too the seventh month is marked as special: a Sabbath month. This theme is based on more than mere numbers. The seventh month carried three major feasts or festivals: Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles. These three festivals were concluded with distinctively unique assembly ('atzeret') called "eighth day" (Lev. 23:39). The Feast of Trumpets is therefore an opportunity for the people to prepare themselves for this holiest of months in the Jewish calendar.
Second, consider the trumpet’s significance. Admittedly, the Hebrew word for “trumpet” doesn’t literally occur in both text, but the blast (Lev. 23:24; Num. 29:1) that presupposes blowing a trumpet. Elsewhere in the Old Testament the trumpet blast is associated with God’s power or presence.
Thus, the trumpet blast was a call for the people to head and respond. When they observed the feast, the people rested from work and offered sacrifices. This solemn rest—drawing aside from regular activities—acknowledges faith and reliance on God. The trumpets call the people to prepare for the time later in the month when the high priest will enter the Holy of Holies (Atonement). By resting, they remind themselves that the faithful God alone is their salvation.
Thirdly, the feast prepares the Israelites to meet their God. In this way, we see the feast point towards Jesus triumphant coming. Admittedly, there’s no quotation, reference, or allusion to either Leviticus 23:23–25 or Numbers 29:1–6 in the New Testament. But in Jesus we are assured of His mighty coming, and at the very same time, we need to be preparing for the ultimate meet with God Himself.
Jesus first coming, exposed a world, not ready to meet God. As prophet Amos once thundered, everyone will "meet their God" (Amos 4:12). This is the problem because there’s a trumpet blast coming that will bring us to God whether we like it or not (Joel 2:1; Zeph. 1:15–16; Matt. 24:31; 1 Thess. 4:16; Rev. 8). Rhetorically the psalmist asks, Who has the right to meet God (Psa. 15:1; 24:3)? How can unworthy people prepare to face him? That's the purpose of future judgment--an ultimate reckoning with man.
There’s a trumpet blast coming that will bring, even force everyone see God in His full glory--including those who destroyed the earth (Rev. 11:18).
Thus, we must always anticipate for Jesus coming. In Christ we hear the announcement of the end of one age in judgment and the beginning of a new age in power and glory. In Christ we confidently anticipate the fullness of the kingdom of God, an age inaugurated with the sound of the seventh trumpet.
The Feast of Trumpets continues to call us aside from the chaotic world we live in and to be hopeful as we focus on ultimate deliverance and coming of our Savior--Jesus Christ! It calls us to meditate on how God is preparing us today so we will be worthy to meet Him at the final and loudest trumpet blast announcing the new and eternal world order.
"The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.'" (Rev. 11:15)
Comments