Blowing the Trumpet

Trumpets were central to the celebration of Israel’s feasts, particularly the Feast of Trumpets (or Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year). Today, electronic amplification helps us hear sounds over long distances. But in ancient times, the piercing tones of trumpets became essential to deliver messages and make announcements.

The Bible contrasts the trumpet call with the lyre and the harp, which produced softer sounds associated with “normal” worship. But the blowing of trumpets called for a new dimension of attention on each new year’s day.

When the trumpet sounded, the people were reminded of God’s Word that “this was a statute for Israel,” an ordinance He established when He delivered them from bondage in Egypt. This was a reminder of all He had done for them. How He rescued them when they called.

It also reminded them to remember His commands and worship Him alone. To remember how their ancestors had failed to obey Him, and that, as a result of their actions, He had given them “over to the stubbornness of their heart, to walk in their own devices.”

The trumpet call was a reminder of His desire to protect and provide for them. But that to receive these blessings, they needed to listen to Him, stay faithful, and remember His Word. It was a reminder of His promise that “I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

On this special day, they could “sing for joy to God our strength” and “shout joyfully” to Him.

Tonight at sundown begins this year’s celebration of the Day of Trumpets (or Rosh Hashanah). In your life, listen for the call of trumpets. Loud and piercing reminders of all that God has done for you. And make this a day of celebration of His promises.