Biblical feasts (appointed times in the Hebrew language) are regularly occurring community events that recognize God’s work and presence with His people. They are celebrations of divine provision or protection. Each major feast recognizes a specific aspect of God’s saving work. Since sharing a table with other people signifies peace or fellowship, feasts as religious observances demonstrate a peaceful relationship between God and His children.
There are seven (7) Feasts of the Lord within the Holy Bible’s Old Testament (Pentateuch, Torah). Before diving into today’s topic on the Feast of Trumpets, let’s get an overview of the seven (7) Feasts of the Lord.
I previously discussed the Lord’s Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Firstfruits in the blog entries “Uncovering The Truth Behind Easter“ and “Passover: The Why, What, How, & When“. The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) is the last Spring Feast. All four (4) of the Spring Feasts were fulfilled with Jesus’ first (1st) coming. In the Fall, the remaining three (3), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles, will be fulfilled in Jesus’ second (2nd) coming. Which is soon, as the earth grows closer to ripening for the harvest.
The first (1st) Fall feast is The Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah, Rosh Hashanah) and marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and celebrates God’s creation. This sacred feast carries profound spiritual significance for the Jewish people and Christians who seek to understand the richness of the Biblical feasts. The Feast of Trumpets is more than a historical event and tradition; it is a prophetic symbol that points to the return of Christ and the final gathering of His people.
Why Was the Feast of Trumpets Inaugurated?
The Feast of Trumpets was inaugurated by God as a sacred assembly for the Israelites, as recorded in Leviticus 23:23-25 (ESV):
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work, and you shall present a food offering to the LORD.”
The Feast of Trumpets also marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe (Repentance), leading up to The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The blowing of trumpets signifies a call to awaken the people spiritually, urging them to prepare their hearts for a time of introspection and seeking God’s forgiveness. This feast is a call to reflection, repentance, renewal, anticipation of God’s judgment and mercy, and a reminder of God’s sovereignty.
When Is the Feast of Trumpets Celebrated?
The Feast of Trumpets falls on the first (1st) day of Tishrei, the seventh (7th) month of the Hebrew calendar, which typically corresponds to the September or October timeframe in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date varies each year because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, meaning it is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun. The Feast of Trumpets is the only Biblical feast that begins at the new moon, which made it difficult to pinpoint the exact start time in ancient times. Because of this, two (2) witnesses had to be watchful and ready to confirm the new moon.
Fun fact, Nisan is the first (1st) month and is considered the start of the religious year; whereas, Tishrei represents the first (1st) month of the civil year and the seventh (7th) month of the religious year. Think of like the differences of a calendar year vs. an academic year vs. a fiscal year. But even those concepts in practice are confusing.
What Happens During the Feast of Trumpets?
The Feast of Trumpets is marked by the blowing of the shofar or a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. The sound of the shofar serves as a spiritual wake-up call, urging people to repent and return to God. The shofar is blown 100 times during the service, with the final blast being a long, unbroken note that signifies the closing of the ceremony, called Tekiah Gedolah. The day is observed as a sabbath, with no work being done, and special prayers are recited.
How Was the Feast of Trumpets First Observed?
The inaugural observation of the Feast of Trumpets took place as the Israelites were establishing their identity as a nation under God’s covenant. The instructions given in the Torah are meant to guide us in setting aside this day as holy unto the Lord.
The people gather together, hearing the shofar blast, which is both a literal and spiritual call to attention. Sacrifices were made, and the people entered a period of solemn reflection leading up to the Day of Atonement. Today, Jewish services in synagogues feature the blowing of the shofar, special prayers, and festive meals.
The Feast of Trumpets meal is filled with symbolism, focusing on themes of sweetness, abundance, renewal, and hope. Traditional foods like apples dipped in honey, round challah bread, honey cake, pomegranates, and various symbolic fruits and vegetables (carrots, dates, leeks, beets) are consumed during the celebration. Each dish is a reminder of the blessings hoped for in the new year, aligning with the spiritual focus of the feast.
What Is The Significance of the Feast of Trumpets for Christians?
While Christians are not bound to observe the Feast of Trumpets as the Israelites do, understanding its significance enriches our faith. The themes of repentance, renewal, and the anticipation of God’s coming judgment are as relevant today as they were in ancient Israel.
The Feast of Trumpets is a powerful reminder of the second (2nd) coming of Christ. Just as the ancient Israelites were called to prepare their hearts for God’s presence, so too are we called to be spiritually ready for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The sound of a trumpet in Scripture often signifies a divine announcement. With this feast, the trumpet blasts echo the prophetic declarations found in the New Testament.
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:52 (ESV),
“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (ESV),
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
Jesus said in Matthew 24:36 (ESV),
“but concerning that day and hour no one knows…”.
The timing of the Feast of Trumpets serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of Christ’s return. With its focus on preparation and vigilance, the feast encourages believers to live in a state of readiness for that glorious day.
Like the two (2) witnesses needed to be watchful and ready for the commencement of the Feast of Trumpets, the congregation had to be ready for those trumpet blasts. Today, we must be like the congregation of ancient Israel, and listen for the trumpet blasts during the appointed season.
Jesus describes the season in Matthew 24:37-39 (ESV),
“For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Feast of Trumpets is not just a historical observance; it is a prophetic signpost that directs our hearts and minds toward the hope that comes with Christ’s return and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. As we reflect on this feast, may we be reminded of the urgency to live a life of repentance, faith, and anticipation of the glorious day when we will meet our Savior face to face.
Thank you & God Bless,
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Volume 15 Issue 21 (83)
