The Significance Of The Feast Of Trumpets

By Matthew Sanders


The Jewish people have many ancient 'feasts' in their calendar. Seven of these special sabbaths (days of rest and observance) were ordained by God. The Feast of Trumpets (a biblical term for Rosh Hashanah) is an autumn, two-day festival that occurs in the seventh month and is the start of the Jewish New Year.

This festival that marks the Jewish New Year (based on the agricultural cycle) was traditionally announced by great noise, shouting and the blowing of shofars ( ram's horns) and priestly instruments. It is not a happy time but rather one of self-examination and repentance and is considered a most important observance for Jews.

The purpose of this special time was to set worldly things aside and spend two days in soul searching and repentance. Later in the same month came the Day of Atonement, another time when no one worked but all assembled before the Tabernacle or the Temple. The high priest would make atonement for the people, and sacrifices and sin offerings would finish the symbolic cleansing of sins committed during the previous year.

The tumult of this feast mirrors the events of war, when the people would be in fear of their lives because the enemy was outside the walls. In the scriptures, the 'watchmen' are urged to stay awake and watch, for the danger is imminent. This sabbath calls the people to repent of their sins, because they are in great spiritual danger.

The Bible tells us that 'the wages of sin is death'. The Christian Old Testament is the Jewish Torah; both books set out ritual sacrifice to cleanse people of sin. The New Testament tells Christians that the death of Jesus was a final, complete sacrifice that paid for the sins of the whole world. Those who believe and accept that sacrifice with true repentance will find eternal life.

This important feast is still observed by Jews. It is also recognized by Christians as a prophetic event foreshadowing the days of fear and turmoil before the second coming of Christ. His appearance signals the beginning of His earthly kingdom, since He will come as a conquering king this time. The Bible says that His arrival will be signaled by the sound of a trumpet.

The Day of Atonement portends the Judgement Day. The sacrifice has already been made and those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life' - meaning that they have believed in Jesus and accepted His death as payment for their sins - will be saved. This is seen as the time for self-examination in light of scripture and for true repentance, a turning away from wicked ways to a life of righteousness.

Many Christians value the Jewish roots of their faith and recognize that the ancient feasts have significance. The special days coincide with the phases of the moon, and the Bible says that significant events are often signaled by 'signs' in the heavens. Reading about the ceremonial observances of Old Testament times gives believers of today an understanding of laws that made up the old covenant and more appreciation for the promises of the new.




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