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 these trumpet calls with the sound of a lyre or a harp, instruments that produced softer sounds associated with “normal” worship. But the blowing of trumpets called for a new dimension of attention.

When the trumpet sounded on Rosh Hashanah, 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. They were asked to remember how He rescued them when they called.

This special time was also a reminder of God’s call to remember His commands and to worship Him alone. The Israelites were asked to remember how their ancestors had failed to obey the Lord, and that, as a result of their sins, He had given them “over to the stubbornness of their heart, to walk in their own devices.”

In addition, the trumpet call was a reminder of God’s desire to protect and provide for them. But in order 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 the God of Jacob.”

Tonight at sundown begins this year’s celebration of the Day of Trumpets. 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 to celebrate His faithfulness to keep His promises.