The Blast of the Trumpet

As summer draws to a close and the final quarter of the year approaches, we often wonder where the time has gone. As we see the colors of the autumn leaves, we are reminded that the year will soon come to its conclusion. God gave us the four seasons to remind us of some important truths. One of those certainties is that time and history have direction. They have a beginning and a determined conclusion. To illustrate even further, God gave ancient Israel a series of “Moadim” (literally “appointed times”) to teach this point. He ordained that this season of the year be inaugurated with the blowing of trumpets – a solemn gathering of his people to draw their attention to His work in their midst, and ultimately of their need for mercy and redemption.

In modern times, Jewish people around the world celebrate what has become known as “Rosh Hashanah” (literally “head of the year”), a holiday observed with the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn).

Did you know that the shofar is blown four times on Rosh Hashanah? And each trumpet blast teaches us an important spiritual truth.

The first is called Tekiah – a long, single blast exalting the Lord God as Creator and King of the Universe. It reminds us that our God is on His throne. It echoes the words of Jesus when He teaches us to pray “hallowed be thy name … thy Kingdom come; thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.”

The second is called Shevarim, consisting of three short wail-like blasts, sounding like cries of repentance. It is there to remind us of our need to turn our hearts to God and away from our sin.

The third is called Teru’ah – nine staccato blasts of alarm – a reminder that the time we have left is drawing to a close, and that we are in desperate need of a right relationship with God. It is a call to awakening.

The final shofar blast is called Tekiah HaGadol – the Great trumpet blast, which foreshadows the final trumpet blast:

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1 Corinthians 15:51-53

As we enter the latter part of 2023, may we be sober-minded, our hearts set on Jesus the Messiah, who is coming soon at the final trumpet blast. May you be found in Him on that Day!