The Day of Trumpets: The Blowing of Trumpets Memorial |
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Personal study and written by: Felicia A. Trecek October 1-4, 2005, Revised on October 6, 2005
The observance mandate for the day of trumpets is located Leviticus 23:24-25 and Numbers 29:1-6.Leviticus 23:24-25 reads; "In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath [Jewish translation, "shall be a solemn rest unto you"], a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD."
Numbers 29:1-6 reads; "And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savor unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish; And their meat offering . . . . And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you: Beside the burnt offering of the month, [see Numbers 28:11-15] and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering [Numbers 28:3], and his meat offering, and their drink offerings . . . a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD."
Founded on Leviticus 23:24-25 and Numbers 29:1-6, three extrapolated facts about the day of Trumpets are the following:
Now notice Psalm 81:1-3 in light of the day of trumpets. It makes reference to the day of trumpets. Psalm 81:1-3 reads; (v:1) "Shout for joy to Elohim our strength; Raise a shout to Elohim of Jacob." (v:2) "Lift up a song and beat the tambourine, the pleasant lyre and with the harp." (v:3) "Blow the ram's horn at the time of the new moon, at the full moon, on our festival day."
The "new moon" implies the first day of the seventh month; day of trumpets. The full moon implies the 15th day of the seventh month, the first day of the feast of Booths. Therefore, the blowing of the trumpet is mandated to occur on both of these days.
Psalm 81:1-3 summarizes and demonstrates two main facts already presented. They are: 1) Blowing of the horn on the day of the new moon, and 2) Joyful acclamation and shouts. This has direct implication to the day of Trumpets. Psalm 81:1-3 also commands a shout to Elohim of Jacob. This command implies the return of Christ on the day of trumpets.
I Thessalonians 4:16-17 reads; "For the Lord/Master Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord/Master."
I Corinthians 15:51-52 reads; "Behold, I show 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 trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
The last trumpet is in direct reference to the book of Revelation and the seven messengers/angels who each sound a trumpet. According to the book of Revelation, there are seven seals. And, within the seventh seal, there are seven trumpets. Each of these seven trumpet blasts usher in an event. The very last event of the last trumpet which is the seventh trumpet blast are seven plagues. The last trumpet is the precurser, the warning that the seven plagues are about to be released. Revelation 15:1 speaks of this: "And I saw another sign in the heaven, great and marvellous: seven messengers/angels having the seven last plagues for the wrath of God was ended in them." Skipping to verse 8, Revelation 15:8 reads; "And the Dwelling Place was filled with smoke from the esteem of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the Dwelling Place until the seven plagues of the seven messengers/angels were ended." Revelation 15:8 is clear. No one will enter heaven - the dwelling place of God - until the seven plagues are ended. But, does this mean that the resurrection of the saints won't occur before this time? I Thessalonians 4:16-17 reveals the saints will meet Christ in the air - the clouds, not in heaven.
The last trumpet blast appears to be at the onset of the seven last plagues. No other trumpets are mentioned during the last plagues. Therefore, the saints may not have to endure the seven last plagues.
And, if Revelation 15:1-8 is in sequential order of events, then the saints will arise to meet Christ in the clouds at the onset of the seven last plagues which is also called the third woe. (When reading Revelation 15:3, reference Revelation 14.)
There are other indications that the saints might rise in the air before the seven last plagues. Notice Revelation 17:14. It implies the saints will be fighting with Christ in the clouds against the wicked men of the earth. Revelation 17:14 reads, "They (in reference to the wicked people) shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for He is Master of masters and King of kings. And those WITH Him are called, and chosen, and trustworthy."
I will elaborate a bit more about the resurrection of the saints after the day of Trumpets conclusion. I touch on the resurrection subject in connection to the day of trumpets because it is a belief of many that the resurrection of the saints, also known as the first resurrection, will occur on the day of trumpets. But, as I have already shown, this belief might be false.
Continuing about the day of trumpets... Revelation 16:17-18 reads; (v:17) "And the seventh messenger poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the Dwelling Place of the heaven, from the throne, saying, ''t is done!''". (v:18) "And there came to be noises and thunders and lightening. And there came to be a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not came to be since men were on the earth."
After the seven last plagues, the finale of YHVH's wrath is an earthquake of the greatest magnitude.
Psalm 82 (the entire chapter) is in reference to the day of YHWH - the feast of trumpets. This chapter refers to the judgement upon the earth, the resurrection of the saints, and the great earthquake.
Psalm 82:1-2 reads; (v:1) "Elohim stands in the congregation of El; He judges in the midst of the elohim." (v:2) "How long would you judge perversely, And show partiality to the wrong? Selah."
The Hebrew word "Elohim" is the plural form of the Hebrew word "El". El means God and Elohim means Gods. Therefore, Psalm 82:1 should be rightly translated as: "Gods stands in the congregation of God; He (God) judges in the midst of the Gods."
Verses one and two of Psalm 82 indicate that wickedness abounds upon the earth.
Continuing in Psalm 82... Psalm 82:3-5 reads; (v:3) "Give right-ruling to the poor and fatherless, Do right to the afflicted and needy." (v:4) "Rescue the poor and needy; Deliver them from the hand of the wrong." (v:5) "They do not know, nor do they understand. They walk about in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken."
The poor and needy that want to be rescued appear to be ignorant of the truth of God since they walk about in darkness. And, the indication is: the wicked rich and mighty people of the earth are afflicting the poor and needy people of the earth.
The end of verse 5 reveals a specific time in the future. The mighty shaking of the earth as like written in Revelation 16:18, previously quoted. The great mighty shaking of the earth, which has never occurred before, is the very last event before Christ sets his feet upon the Mount of Olives.
Now notice the reading of Psalm 82:6-7. (v:6) "I, I said, "You are elohim, And all of you are sons of the Most High." (v:7) "But as men you die, And fall as one of the heads."
Verses 6 and 7 are in direct reference to the saints. Although, firstly, the double "I" at the beginning of verse 6 is like the many places in the book of Isaiah. The double "I" is indication that both the High Father and the One who became Christ - The Word - are speaking in unison. They both say (paraphrased): the sons of the Most High, who are men that die - are elohim. The saints, in other words will become gods. "Elohim" is a Hebrew word that directly translates into English as "gods".
Genesis 1:26 is an example scripture (out of several) which demonstrates that the word "Elohim" is the plural form of the word God. Genesis 1:26 reads; "And, Elohim said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, ...'." The word US and the two OUR words are plural and are in direct reference to the word Elohim. And, as an important fact to know, the plurality of the word "Elohim" is directly attributed to the Name YHWH in Psalms 100:3. Psalms 100:3 reads, "Know that YHVH, He is Elohim." (Also reference Jeremiah 10:10). Not all Elohim are within the Name YHVH. (Reference: Genesis 35:2) Although, this fact doesn't diminish the other fact that YHVH is plural in nature. And, Christ is one of those Gods. 1 Timothy 3:16 confirms this fact. 1 Timothy 3:16 reads; "...God [Greek word: THEOS] was manifested in the flesh..." There are two mighty Personages within the Name YHVH which I prove in a different study titled: YHWH the One God.
In Psalm 82:6-7, these specific elohim (gods) are men that die. They fall as one of the heads. And, this phase: "they fall as one of the heads" is in reference to the heads of wheat, the fruit which is also seed. Christ explained this in John 12:24. John 12:24 reads, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But, if it dies, it bears much fruit." The reason why it bears much fruit is because the grain in the head, which becomes a seed, produces a new plant. Likewise, our mortal bodies will die and will be reborn as Spiritual beings.
Therefore, the elohim in Psalm 82:6-7 are men who will die and will be transformed into a new creature, a new plant sort of speak.
Continuing in Psalm 82, the last verse, verse 8. Psalm 82:8 reads, "Arise, O Elohim, judge the earth, For You shall possess all the nations." This is a plea or command for Christ to return to earth and judge with His saints.
Zechariah 14:4, 9, "And His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives (Referring to Christ) . . . . And YHVH shall be King over all the earth..."
The day of Trumpets, the day of blowing, and the day of shouting joyful acclamation is the day when the poor and needy will be rescued and right ruling will begin upon the earth.
The day of Trumpets and the end time events is allegorically revealed in the book of Joshua, Joshua chapter 6. The event of Jericho was a type, a forerunner of the great end-time event. The children of Israel were commanded to march/walk around Jericho for seven days. And, on the seventh day, seven priests who each bore a ram's horn, blew/blasted the rams horns and all the people shouted with a great shout. At this moment, the walls of Jericho fell flat.
Compare the Jericho event in Joshua 6 to the book of Revelation. There are seven messengers in Revelation as like the seven priests of Joshua 6. There are seven seals in Revelation as like the seven days of Joshua 6. There are seven ram horn blasts (because there are seven priests who each are commanded to blow) on the seventh day in Joshua 6 as like there are seven trumpet blasts during the seventh seal in Revelation. And, the Israelites walked around Jericho seven times on the seventh day as like there are seven plagues after the seventh trumpet in Revelation. At the end of the Jericho event in Joshua 6, the walls fell. And, at the end of God's wrath in Revelation, the walls will also fall - both literally and Spiritually. Mankind will meet his Maker and no false religious beliefs will remain.
Revelation 11:15 reads; "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord/Master, and of His anointed; and He shall reign for ever and ever."
The Day of Trumpets Conclusion:The day of trumpets must be observed during the seventh new moon, on the first day of the new moon. And, this day appears to represent a time period in the future when Christ, our Messiah will bring final judgement upon the earth and when He returns to this earth to rule as King of Kings and Master of Masters. This day is also called, the "day of the Lord" within the New Testament. It is a day that everyone is commanded to raise a joyful shout to Christ. Although, some will remain rebellious and shake their fists at Him according to the book of Revelation. Because of their rebellious attitudes, they will die. Only the humble, meek and lovers of Christ/Messiah will survive. For one example scripture out of a manifold, reference Joel 2:31-32.
Scriptures in Revelation demonstrate that the tribulation and YHVH's judgement/wrath does not entirely occur on one day. Thus, not all of the blowing of trumpets in Revelation will not necessarily occur on one day. Although, the day of trumpets might represent this entire time period since YHVH's plan of salvation is macro as well as micro. For example: in scripture one day can represent one-thousand years, can represent one hundred years, and a day can also represent one year. Notwithstanding, scripture directly indicates that the specific day of Trumpets is the finale of YHVH's wrath and Messiah's return to earth. This is likened to the Jericho event in the book of Joshua, chapter 6. The walls of Jericho fell on the seventh day after the seventh march/walk-around the city. The Israelites triumphed over Jericho on the seventh day. And, the day of trumpets is a joyful triumph over the wickedness of this world when Christ/Messiah will reign.
The First Resurrection:The first resurrection appears to occur before and at the onset of the seven last plagues. I say "appears" because there isn't a single scripture that specifically denotes an exact time of the first resurrection. Although, there is overwhelming evidence that points to it and implies it. Scripture reveals that the saints will be transformed at the blowing of the last trump and meet Christ in the clouds, possibly before the seven last plagues of Revelation begin. Therefore, it is ostensible to suggest that the resurrection of the saints might occur before the actual twenty-four hour day of trumpets.
Some people have suggested the first resurrection will likely occur on a previous set-apart day within YHVH's plan of salvation. This possible day is Pentecost which is also known as the feast of weeks within the old testament. The day of Pentecost was extremely significant during the first century since it was the day in which the Holy Spirit was given freely to those who repented and were baptised into the covenant of Christ/Messiah. The day of Pentecost during the first century was the beginning of a Spiritual transformation which transforms the heart and mind.
Additionally, Pentecost day/feast of weeks was a spring harvest celebration during the old testament period. It was the day when the barley and wheat harvest was completed. And, on this day, Pentecost day/feast of weeks, the Israelites were commanded to bring a NEW grain offering to YHVH at the festival of weeks/Pentecost. Reference Numbers 28:26. According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, the Hebrew word translated as "new" is: "khaw-dawsh" and is numbered #2319. "Khaw-dawsh" means: new, or fresh, or new thing. Hence, the Israelites were to bring a fresh grain offering from the newly harvested crops. According to Leviticus 23:16-21, the fresh grain offering were two leavened loaves of bread which the priest raised and waved before YHVH. The reason for the two loaves will not be discussed at this time since it is an entirely another subject. Although, the points that are important to understand for this subject of the resurrection are: #1) new, freshly harvested grain of wheat was used in the offering, #2) the offering of bread loaves were lifted and waved before YHVH.
According to scripture and it's analogies, the barley represents Messiah. And, the wheat represents the saints. The wave sheaf offering during the feast of unleavened bread was barley. The offering of the two bread loaves were made of wheat. The book of Ruth is one demonstration out of several that confirms this fact. In the book of Ruth, the spring harvest began. The barley was harvested first and Ruth continued harvesting in the fields until the wheat harvest was completed. Since the barley was ready for harvest before the wheat, the wave offering during the days of unleavened bread was barley because it was the first cutting that began the harvest. Reference Deuteronomy 16:9 and Leviticus 23:10-11. Additionally, there are many examples within the new testament whereas the saints are referred to as wheat. And, many more scriptures denote the saints are first-fruits. Hence, the barley wave sheaf represents Christ. And, He entered heaven on the first day of the week during the feast of unleavened bread. The two wheat loaves of bread represent the saints. And, the offering of the two wheat loaves of bread - the raising and waving by the priest within the old testament - represent the saints.
Because of these facts and the fact that the day of Pentecost/feast of weeks commenced and commemorated the spring harvest of wheat, it is safe to suggest that Messiah and His saints might be united on the day of Pentecost/feast of weeks within the clouds where the wedding ceremony might occur.
There is further indiction that the first resurrection will not occur in the fall. Christ specifically indicates this in Matthew 24:29-33. Matthew 24:29-33 reads; (v:29) "And immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give light, and the stars shall fall from the heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." (v:30) "And then the sign of the Son of Adam (Christ) shall appear in the heaven, and then all tribes of the earth shall mourn, and they shall see the Son of Adam coming on the clouds of heaven with power and much esteem." (v:31) "And He shall send His messengers (angels) with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather His chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." (v:32) "And learn this parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near." (v:33) "So you also, when you see all these, know that he is near, at the doors."
Christ's description of the last days appears to match Revelation 9:2 when the sun will be completely darkened in contrast to Revelation 8:12 when only a third of the sun will be dark. (Note, the moon reflects the suns light. If the sun is dark, so also is the moon.) Therefore, Revelation 9:2 appears to be the time Messiah referred too regarding the darkened moon which is during the last/seventh seal and the fifth trumpet according to Revelation 8:1-2 and 9:2. Although, in Revelation 6:12-13, during the 6th seal, the stars fall and there is a great earthquake as like Christ mentioned. But, this event is in the 6th seal when the moon is likened to blood, not darkened. Therefore, it is likely that Christ merely made a general summary statement in one sentence regarding the end time events and the celestial bodies. But, there is one more very important clue to consider for the time period Christ was pointing to. The clue is at the beginning of Christ's statement in Matthew 24:29 which was: "And immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give light,..." There is direct indication that the time period that He was pinpointing is after the tribulation, the beginning of YHVH's wrath. Thus, this would place Christ's general reference statement within the seventh seal, not the sixth seal. The seventh seal contains the seven trumpets. And, the seventh trumpets begins YHVH's wrath apposed to the tribulation within the first sixth seals. Reference Revelation 16:1.
In Christ's statement within Matthew 24:29-33, He mentioned: #1) the darkening of the sun and moon, #2) the sign of Christ will appear in heaven, #3) the trumpet will sound, and #4) the gathering of the saints. And, Christ said in Matthew 24:32-33 that when ALL these events occur, know that He/Christ is near at the door which is near the summer season. Matthew 24:29-33 directly indicates that the saints will meet Christ in the air when His sign appears. Christ's sign is a great light that shines from the east to the west according to Matthew 24:27 and other scriptures. Therefore, Christ will be seen in the air while He battles with the wicked men on earth before His feet touch down on earth, on the mount of Olives.
Moreover, and most importantly, Christ's direct statement revealed the gathering of the saints will occur near the summer season, not the fall season when the day of Trumpets occurs. Although, the day of Pentecost occurs near the summer season. Pentecost/feast of weeks is the celebration of the wheat harvest.
Now, notice Revelation 14:14-17. Revelation 14:14-17 reads; (v:14) "And I [John] looked and saw a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was One like the Son of Adam having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle." (v:15) "And another messenger came out of the Dwelling Place, crying with a loud voice to the One sitting on the cloud, 'Send Your sickle and reap, because the hour has come for You to reap, because the harvest of the earth is ripe." (v:16) "And the One sitting on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped." (v:17) "And another messenger came out of the Dwelling Place which is in heaven, and he too held a sharp sickle." If you continue to read the remaining scriptures in this chapter, we are informed that this messenger/angel gathers physical people for the wine-press, the people are placed in the wine-press and the blood rises very high.
The main points to learn from Revelation 14:14-17 are the following: #1) the One sitting on the cloud is Christ/Messiah. Clearly John was able to distinguish a regular messenger/angel from the One sitting on the cloud. Moreover, the One sitting on the cloud wore a crown on His head which is an identifier of Christ. #2) Christ, the One sitting on the cloud, held a sickle and reaped. There isn't any mention of killing or blood or wrath upon the ones that Christ reeps. It's ostensible to suggest, Messiah will gather the saints at this time via a messenger/s. Although, several scriptures inform us that Christ will raise the saints and change their bodies into Spirit. #3) Christ/Messiah is on a cloud. He isn't in the heavenly dwelling place whereas no one can see Him. #4) And, after Christ reaps with His sickle, the wrath continues upon the earth via additional angels.
If the end of Revelation chapter 14 is in sequential order of events to that of Revelation chapter 15, the reaping by Messiah occurs immediately before the seven last plagues as previously suggested, but it was based upon the application and examination of other clues and evidence from scripture.
As a side note: YHVH isn't in the business of harvesting agricultural produce, but in the business of harvesting mankind. The physical is merely representative of the Spiritual as like Romans 1:20 specifically reveals. Notwithstanding, the allegorical agricultural language used within scripture such as: the Messiah and the saints are firstfruits. These are just two examples out of a manifold.
There is at least one additional scripture worth examination: Revelation 10:7. Revelation 10:7 reads; "but in the days of the sounding of the seventh messenger, the secret of Elohim shall also be ended, as He declared to His servant, the prophets." Revelation 10:7 reveals at the very trumpet sound by the seventh messenger, THE secret will be revealed. The secret will be revealed before the seven last plagues.
There are many references to the secrets of YHVH. But, placing them in numerical order, the first big secret is: Christ. Reference Romans 16:25-26 and Proverbs 30:1-6 . The second secret are the saints. Reference Matthew 13:35-38, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Ephesians 1:9-14 and Colossians 1:26-27. And, the third secret, which is the secret of the gospel, is the gentiles who are grafted-into Spiritual Israel, the saints. Reference Ephesians 3:3-6 and Romans chapter 11. These secrets; Christ and the saints which comprise a remnant of Israel and the gentiles, they ostensibly will be revealed. They will no longer be a secret at the onset of the seven last plagues, at the sounding of the last trumpet.
The evidence in scripture which I presented regarding the timing of the first resurrection points to the day of Pentecost, or at the least, before the seven last plagues. Hence, if the resurrection of the saints occurs on the day of Pentecost/feast of weeks, then the wrath of YHVW will span about three and a half months. In other words, the seven last plagues will occur during a three and a half month period of time which the saints will be spared from. Then, Christ's statement/question in Luke 18:8 is brought to light: will He (Christ) find faith upon the earth when He returns? The saints will possess faith because without faith, it is impossible to please God. Reference Hebrews 11:6. But, the saints will not be on the earth, but in the clouds with Christ.
The Bride of Christ/MessiahPsalms chapter 45 is about Christ and His bride, the saints. I will quote some snippets. (v:9) "...At Your (Christ's) right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir." (v:13) "The daughter of the King (which is also a description of the bride because Christ's Spirit allegorically birthed her) is all esteemed within the palace. Her dress is embroidered with gold." (v:14) "She is brought to the King in embroidered work..." (v:15) "They enter the King's palace."
Now, notice Revelation 21:9-11. Revelation 21:9-11 reads, (v:9) "And one of the seven messengers (angels) who held the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and spoke with me, saying, (Take notice: the seven last plagues have not been dispersed yet.) 'Come, I shall show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.' " (v:10) "And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great mountain, and showed me the great city, the set-apart Jerusalem descending out of the heaven from God," (v:11) "having the esteem of God, and her light (the brides light) was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal," Further verses describe the palace, new Jerusalem. The bride is within the new palace, new Jerusalem.
The Messiah and his bride, the chosen saints who made themselves ready by the means of the righteous Spirit, will both say to everyone physically left alive on earth and later - after the thousand year reign - to the mass second resurrection of everyone else, whoever lived and died, "He who thirsts, come and drink. Take of the water of life without paying!" Reference both Revelation 21:6 and 22:17. The water represent the Holy Spirit of Christ. Reference John 4:14.
Revelation 21:4 reads, "And Elohim shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,..." In John 14:6 Christ said, "...I AM the way, the truth, and the life..." AMEN. |