Scripture: “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.” Leviticus 23:24-25 ESV
Observation: Being one of the three fall festivals, Israel observed the Feast of Trumpets in the seventh month, coinciding with the end of the harvest season. Its commencement with a trumpet blast signaled urgency across the land to gather together in observance of the occasion. And like the other feasts, it included a solemn rest. Notably, the ingathering of the last crops echoed the Lord’s Shabbat Shalom at the end of the six days of creation.
Similar to the Feast of Weeks, the offerings for the Feast of Trumpets included (see Numbers 29:1-6):
- a burnt offering of seven one-year-old male lambs, one ram, and a bull
- a sin offering of one goat, and
- 1.2 ephahs of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering.
And like the Feast of Weeks, it marked the reciprocating presentation of generous gifts to the Lord with much rejoicing.
Takeaway: As with most feasts, this celebration at the end of the seventh new moon marked an occasion for reflecting and anticipating. Indeed, upon reflecting on their Lord’s loving care and abundant provisions, the sharp blast of the shofar would also point to Israel’s future: victory over enemies and coregency with their Messiah.
So what do we as the church reflect on and anticipate? We humbly consider Christ’s cry from the Cross (“Father, forgive them”) and the disciples’ shouts for joy (that “He is risen!”). And we yearn for his return at the end of the age. Specifically, as John describes in Revelation 11, during the tribulation, a seventh trumpet blast (the number 7 representing completion) will announce that our Lord has reestablished his sovereign rule over all the earth. Then, after God executes judgment on those who hate and reject him, all the hosts of heaven will rejoice in the Lamb’s triumph over evil. And we will celebrate intimate communion with our Lord and Savior in a new world overflowing with eternal joy and glory.
Undoubtedly, reflecting on the glory of the Gospel and anticipating our new home in intimate and glorious fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the church’s lifeblood and our means of victory over present trials. So sound the trumpets; let the feast begin!
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son who has brought us victory over the real enemy: sin. Would you please help us consistently spend time reflecting on his glorious Gospel and anticipating his return, where we will enjoy intimate fellowship unencumbered by sin? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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