The Feast of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah, is one of the seven biblical festivals ordained by God and observed by ancient Israel. It is the Jewish New Year and falls on the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei) on the Hebrew calendar, which corresponds to September/October on the Gregorian calendar. Here is an overview of the key things the Bible reveals about this important holy day:
Biblical Origin
The Feast of Trumpets is first mentioned in Leviticus 23:23-25, where God instructs Moses to have the Israelites observe it as a sabbath day of rest on the first day of the seventh month. Trumpets were to be blown as a memorial. It was to be a holy convocation. The blowing of trumpets is the distinguishing feature of this feast, which is why it is called the Feast of Trumpets.
In Numbers 29:1-6, sacrifices are outlined that were to be offered on the Feast of Trumpets. It was to be a day of burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings in addition to the regular daily offerings.
Purpose and Themes
The Feast of Trumpets served several important purposes:
- It was a reminder of God’s provision and grace in bringing the harvest
- It marked the beginning of the civil year for the Hebrew calendar
- It was preparation for the Day of Atonement which followed 9 days later
- It called the assembly together for worship
- It was to be a memorial and a sabbath day of rest
Some key themes associated with the Feast of Trumpets:
- Repentance and soul-searching as the new year began
- The coronation of God as King
- A looking forward to the Messiah’s return
- Judgment of the wicked and reward of the righteous
- The resurrection of the dead
Prophetic Significance
The blowing of trumpets and the events of this holy day foreshadow important prophetic events according to many Bible teachers. Some possible prophetic fulfillments associated with the Feast of Trumpets:
- The Rapture of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
- The Second Coming of Christ (Matthew 24:30-31)
- The Resurrection of the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:52)
- The Coronation of Christ as King (Revelation 11:15)
- The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10)
The Feast of Trumpets represents the next major event on the prophetic calendar according to those who hold to a literal millennial interpretation of end times events. The exact nature and timing of fulfillment remains unclear, but it points to the next phase when God will intervene dramatically in world history.
Connection to the Day of Atonement
The Feast of Trumpets is closely linked to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), which follows 9 days later. In Jewish tradition, the 10 days between these two holidays are known as the “Days of Awe”, a time of introspection and repentance to prepare for the national day of atonement.
The two holidays were also connected in their temple rituals. Trumpets would be blown at the temple on the Feast of Trumpets to prepare for the services on the Day of Atonement when blood sacrifice would be offered and the scapegoat released.
Observance in the New Testament Era
The Feast of Trumpets continued to be observed in the New Testament era. Festivals like Trumpets, Passover, and Tabernacles were times when many Jews would pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the temple.
- Jesus went to the Temple for the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:1-14)
- Paul hastened to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost (Acts 20:16)
- Paul refers to being in Jerusalem for the feast (presumably Passover) (Acts 18:21)
Although the disciples were from Galilee, they would have been familiar with all the pilgrimage feasts, including the Feast of Trumpets. As they came to understand Jesus and the gospel, they would have seen the connections between these feasts and the ministry of Christ.
Should Christians Observe the Feast of Trumpets Today?
Unlike the weekly Sabbath and the Passover, the New Testament nowhere explicitly commands Christians to observe the Feast of Trumpets, or the Old Testament festivals in general. There are differing views on whether it remains required:
- Not Required: It was part of the Old Covenant law that was fulfilled in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). Christians are not under obligation to keep it.
- Optional: Christians are free to observe it if they choose to, and can find spiritual blessing in doing so, as long as they don’t view it as required.
- Required: God’s seasonal festivals are perpetual laws that reveal His redemptive plan. Christians should observe the prophetic meaning of these days.
There are good biblical arguments on both sides of this question. Whether to observe the Feast of Trumpets remains a matter of debate and differing convictions among believers.
For Further Study
For those interested in further study, here are some key passages related to the Feast of Trumpets and the fall biblical festivals:
- Leviticus 23:23-25 – God institutes the Feast of Trumpets
- Numbers 29:1-6 – Offerings for the Feast
- Nehemiah 8:1-12 – Trumpets and Day of Atonement observance after exile
- Psalm 27:1-6 – Associated with Trumpets themes
- Psalm 47:1-9 – The Lord Most High, the great King
- Psalm 81:1-5 – Blow the trumpet and shout for joy
- Isaiah 18:3 – Blowing of the trumpet
- Ezekiel 33:1-7 – The function of blowing the trumpet
- Joel 2:1-2, 15-17 – Blow the trumpet and call for repentance
- Zechariah 9:14 – The Lord will blow the trumpet
- Matthew 24:30-31 – The trumpet call at Christ’s return
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – The last trumpet and resurrection
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – The trumpet call and the rapture
- Revelation 8-11 – Trumpets in judgment and prophecy
Studying these passages can provide greater insight into the biblical meaning and symbolism of the Feast of Trumpets.
Summary of Key Points
To summarize some of the main things the Bible reveals about the Feast of Trumpets:
- It was ordained by God for Israel as a sabbath and holy convocation
- It involved trumpet blowing, sacrifices, offerings, and rest
- It marked the new year and prepared for the Day of Atonement
- Themes included kingship, repentance, resurrection, and judgment
- Prophetically, it points to the return of Christ and coming kingdom
- It remains a matter of debate if Christians are required to keep it
- Its symbolism enriches biblical understanding of future redemption
The Feast of Trumpets is an important biblical holy day that enriches understanding of God’s redemptive plan. Careful study of its imagery deepens insight into future prophetic fulfillment through Jesus the promised Messiah.
