LESSON 11

The Trumpet Announces and Warns

1. Joshua 6:1-5 shows Yahweh's plan to take Jericho. How many times was the Israelite army to march around the walls of Jericho? How many times on the seventh day? How many tines in all did the Israelites march around the city?
   
      NOTE: Jericho means "moon city" because of the pagan moon worship that took place there.
    

2. Leading them were seven priests with seven trumpets of ram's horns bearing the Ark of the Covenant. The people shouted loudly at the sounding of the trumpet. What happened then?
   
      NOTE: It is very likely the fall of Jericho is a type of the coming destruction of the present world, now dominated by Satan, when Yahshua returns. His return will be heralded by a trumpet blast according to Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, "For Yahshua Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of Yahweh, and the dead in Messiah shall rise first."
    

3. We read in 2 Chronicles 5 that upon the completion of Yahweh's house known as Solomon's Temple, the silver and gold and all the treasures were put into place. The priest then brought the Ark of the Covenant into Yahweh's house, setting it before the cherubim. What was in the Ark of the Covenant besides the two tables of the law that Moses had received at Mount Horeb? Verse 10. What was added later? Hebrews 9:4.
    

4. In verse 12, the Levites (singers=Kohan) were arrayed in white linen having cymbals and psalteries and harps,. They stood at the east end of the altar and with them 120 priests sounding trumpets Other instruments of music were also used to praise Yahweh in addition to the trumpet. What then filled the Holy Place?
    

5. In 2 Chronicles 5:13, we learn that this happened when the men of Israel were attending the Feast of the seventh month. Were these 120 priests commemorating a memorial of the blowing of trumpets on the Feast of Trumpets? When the trumpets sounded, things happened Yahweh wants us to keep listening for the trumpet sound.
    

6. Read Exodus 19:16 to the end of the chapter. Take special note of the display of power and might on Mount Sinai. What sound was heard by the Israelites? What effect did all this have on the children of Israel?
   
      NOTE: The trumpet and Yahweh's voice seem to have the same effect and the same sound, eliciting trembling and fear from the Israelites.
    

7. After the Ten Commandments were read in Exodus 20:1-17, what was the urgent plea made by the terrified Israelites who had hastily retreated from the scene? Verse 19.
   
      NOTE: Although there was more of the Covenant to be given to Israel than the Ten Commandments, terror-stricken Israel was too frightened to listen. The rest of the Covenant is given us in chapters 21, 22 and 23, ratified in chapter 24.
    

8. Jeremiah 6 reveals the warning trumpet. The prophet complains about the inner turmoil and anxiety he feels as he anticipates the coming calamity upon Judah. His stomach is in knots, and his heart is pounding so strongly that he can hear the trumpet, the alarm of war, verses 22-23. Yahweh's people were foolish and did not know Yahweh, nor did they have any understanding. They rejected Yahweh's ways and chose to do evil and rejected the knowledge Yahweh had for them. Because Judah would not listen, what did Yahweh do? Verse 30.

   Up to this point we have read of the various uses of the trumpet that, for the most part had little effect upon those for whom it was intended after the death of Moses. On one hand the trumpet brought forth joy as it heralded the year of release in the Jubilee. Every man was returned to his own possession. However, in Exodus 19 at the giving of the Covenant, the trumpet brought fear and trembling because of the power and majesty it signified. The trumpet can also warn of war and calamity.

False Worship to Take a Fall

   We in the last days are aware that the Covenant ratified at Sinai has passed away. We don't listen for the trumpet as did ancient Israel in order to know when the harvest cycle is over or when the enemy is at our border. Yet there remains a real and important reason for us to be alert to the meaning of the trumpet sound.

   By keeping the times set down for us in the Bible each year, we will be reminded annually of the plan of redemption and the return of the Messiah. As we study the various Feast days, we are made to realize that the events mentioned in the Old Testament have a bearing on what will happen in the future.

1. Joshua warned that if anyone attempted to rebuild the city of Jericho that he would lose both his firstborn as well as his youngest, Joshua 6:26. Did anyone attempt to rebuild Jericho after it fell? See 1 Kings 16:34. What were the results?
   
      NOTE: Another translation like the New International Version may clarify the King James language here.
    

2. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says that Yahshua will return with the sound of a trumpet and a great shout.
      The return of the Messiah may be likened to the fall of the city of Jericho. This city represented the firstfruits of the Promised Land that He delivered to Israel. To whom do the firstfruits belong? (Exodus 23:19).
   
      NOTE: The note in the New International Version Study Bible emphasizes that all that opens the matrix and all firstfruits are holy and belong to Yahweh. Jericho was the firstfruits of Yahweh's redemption of the land for Israel, so the returning Messiah signifies the eventual redemption of the whole earth to Yahweh, Daniel 7:14, 18.
    

3. Jericho symbolized strength and protection and the men inside felt secure and safe behind those huge walls. Man today has built a wall of erroneous worship about himself, shutting out Yahweh and giving a sense of security and safety in his false worship. When Yahshua the Messiah returns with a shout and the trumpet blast, the walls of pagan worship will fall. We are to build our faith on the chief Cornerstone, 1 Peter 2:6-7. Who or what does this refer to?
   
      NOTE: Unless the foundation is Yahshua, the chief Cornerstone, all religious beliefs built upon shifting sand will fail. All the world will mourn when they see the glorious Savior returning with power to take control of this earth. They will see the One they have rejected and shunned.

Prophetic Truths in the Feast of Trumpets

   The Feast of Trumpets reveals many prophetic truths showing what shall happen in the latter days. The Feast of Trumpets occurs on the first day of the seventh month and is a memorial or remembrance of the many meanings Yahweh has assigned to the use of this instrument. Yahweh has given mankind the first six thousand years to reign on earth. The seventh thousand years belongs to Yahshua the Messiah, the Son of Yahweh, His anointed King and Ruler. He will rule by employing Yahweh's laws.

   The Feast of Trumpets proclaims the seventh month in which there are more festivals and holy days than any other single month in Yahweh's calendar of worship. We understand that the Feast of Trumpets signifies the start of the Millennium, the beginning of that seventh, thousand-year period in which Yahshua rules the earth, and reclaims what Satan has usurped from Yahweh.

   Ten days after the Feast of Trumpets is the Day of Atonement, a time of afflicting our souls through fasting. It is also on this same day that the Sabbatical year starts and every 50 years, the Jubilee. Leviticus 25 reveals that on this day the trumpet was to sound, proclaiming that the year of Jubilee had arrived, the year of release. It is ironic that the proclamation of liberty would come on a day when we are told to afflict our souls. A reflection on the meaning of this dichotomy shows that affliction and liberty can go hand-in-hand.

   When the Messiah returns, the world will mourn because they will realize that Yahshua is the one whom they have resisted and persecuted. Many will then afflict themselves and will repent.

   Those who have previously washed their robes white in the blood of the lamb gain liberty from the power of sin, which is death. How perfect is Yahweh's law that He has given to all mankind to embrace and obey. Then they can look forward to that perfect release to enter into Yahweh's rest forever.

   In Matthew 24 Yahshua explained to those present that the temple would be destroyed and be rebuilt in three days. While we can understand that Yahshua was speaking of his soon-coming impalement, death and resurrection, the disciples were perplexed by His prophecy. They asked Him three questions:

• When should these things be?

• What shall be the sign of His coming?

• What is the sign of the end of the age?

   Yahshua has given us the answers to each of these three questions in the Feast days. Specifically, the Feast of Trumpets is rich in both types and metaphors. Let us examine a few of the readily discernible examples.

1. In His last days upon this earth, Yahshua bade His followers farewell and urged that they remain in Jerusalem until what would happen? Acts 1:4.
    

2. What was the promise of the Father? Acts 1:8.
    

3. Then Yahshua was taken up by a cloud to the heavens. What did the two celestial beings tell the disciples? Acts 1:10-11.
   
      NOTE: This is to be understood as visible and in accordance with Zechariah 14:4.
    

4. According to Revelation 11:15, when the last or seventh angel sounds his trumpet there will be voices in the heavens proclaiming what? Just as the rulership of Jericho was turned over to Joshua and the Israelites, so the earth will be controlled by Yahshua and His saints. See Daniel 7:22.
   
      NOTE: A type of this is given us in 2 Chronicles 5, where the priests with horns sounded in unison with those who sang, so it will be at the return of the Savior. The 24 elders falling on their faces will worship Him, giving Him praise and glory and honor because He has taken charge of this earth and rules.
    

5. What is meant by this seventh angel sounding and what significance does this seventh angel have in relation to the earth's being turned over to the rule of the Savior? Matthew 24:30.
   
      NOTE: In Matthew 24:31, the Messiah refers to that loud trumpet call. The elect will be gathered from around the globe. They won't be in a single place of safety as some teach. His protection will be with them wherever they are.
    

6. Trumpets is a memorial, a remembering or commemorating of an event. By observing this day each year the hope of Yahshua's return is preserved and embedded in our minds. The return of Yahshua will establish the rule of the Kingdom on this earth with the same laws we find in the Book of Deuteronomy. When do we become immortal? 1 Corinthians 15:52.
    

7. Yahweh told us to remember this day, this memorial of the blowing of trumpets. The world in general ignores these days, and has no desire to remember crucial days Yahweh has set aside in His Word. As True Believers and doers of the Word and not hearers only, we accept the warning and will not be overtaken as a thief in the night. What does He tell us in Amos 3:7?
    

8. If we are looking forward to the return and reign of Yahshua the Messiah, the sound of the trumpet will bring joy and anticipation as we recognize the sign of His return. However, if we are one of the disobedient, foolish and know only to do evil, the sound of the trumpet sadly declares destruction, fear and trembling.

The Seven Seals Are Opened

   A study of Revelation shows that six is man's number. In the sixth chapter we read of the six seals, which are the wrath the Adversary brings upon the earth because he knows he has but a short time.

1. What is the first seal that is opened? Compare Revelation 6;2 with Matthew 24:5.
   
      NOTE: This is not the Messiah. Take note that the rider has a bow, but no arrows. Yahshua is shown in Revelation 19:11.
    

2. The second seal is a red horse described in Revelation 6:3-4. When peace is taken from the earth, what is the result? Is a sword used to accomplish this?
   
      NOTE: See also Matthew 24:6.
    

3. The next part of Satan's wrath is a black horse in Revelation 6:5-6. What is meant by the careful weighing of foodstuffs with a balance? Will food be scarce? See the first two calamities mentioned in Matthew 24:7.
    

4. The fourth seal is in Revelation 6:7-8. Will the pale horse's rider be the result of Satan's effort to inflict as much damage as he can because he knows his time is short? What always results from famine, pestilence and wars?
    

5. The fifth seal is described in Revelation 6:9-11. Will there be martyrs at the end of the age shortly before Yahshua returns? What will be a primary cause of their deaths? Will it be over Yahshua's Name? Matthew 24:9. There does not appear to be a rapture here to take the saints to heaven while deception, wars, famine and death prevail on the earth, does there?
    

6. Seal number six is found in Revelation 6:12-14. Will it be both a celestial and earthly upheaval? What will those who do not know these events are coming upon the earth attempt to do? Verses 16-17.
   
      NOTE: Yahweh gave this message to Yahshua to forewarn us of the calamities to come so that we should not be shaken in mind or worry about these events.
    

7. The plagues follow after the opening of the sixth seal in Revelation 6:12. What signs then take place in the heavens? Verses 12-14. After the spectacular display of power and majesty, what effect does this have on the earth's population? Verses 15-17. When Yahshua returns, will this be a time of joy and merriment for the unconverted? Same verses.
    

8. The opening of the last and seventh seal reveals a parallel to events at Mount Sinai. Revelation 8 deals with the elements of the first four trumpets and chapter 9 shows the effects upon the people of the last three.
   
      NOTE: It is a pattern of Joshua's seventh day at the walls of Jericho when they encompassed the city seven times.

   Could these seven trumpets be a sign of warning to the world and also a time of joy and victory for Yahweh's people, who know that soon the Messiah will return?

	Much of what John saw in vision is symbolic of modern-day phenomena. Helicopters, jets and tanks were described in terms of grasshoppers, scorpions and the like. Endtime war and plagues will devastate much of this earth.

Yahweh's Chosen Protected from Trumpet Plagues

   Now that we have seen the catastrophes ahead of us that are brought by Satan, let us look at the deliverance Yahweh promises us. Note that the first four verses of Revelation 7 tell of the protection given the earth, the sea and trees until the sealing of Yahweh's people is completed.

1. When are Yahweh's people sealed with protection? Isn't it after the opening of the first six seals? Revelation chapter 6 and 7:3. Doesn't that mean that even the saints must undergo the tribulation of war, famine, disease and martyrdom? 6:9-11.
    

2. What constitutes the seventh seal? Revelation chapters 8-11.
   
      NOTE: The seventh seal is made up of seven trumpets. The first trumpet sound causes hail and fire mingled with blood, burning up a third of the earth's vegetation. Life will be very difficult for those who won't submit to Yahweh by this time. The sealing of the saints is baptism into Yahshua's Name as we find in Ephesians 4:30. The sealing into the Name of Yahshua is contrasted to taking the name, mark and number of the Beast. Revelation 14:9-10.
    

3. What is the second trumpet sound? Revelation 8:8. One-third of all sea life will die and one-third of all ships will be destroyed, verse 9.
    

4. When the third angel sounds, what happens? Revelation 8:10-11. Do many people die form this plague? Verse 11.
   
      NOTE: News accounts informed us that the Russian name Chernobyl, where a partial nuclear reactor meltdown occurred, means "Wormwood."
    

5. What happens after the fourth angel blows his trumpet? Revelation 8:12.

The Three Woes--Satan's Fury Unleashed

1. With each successive angel's sounding, judgment falls upon the earth. In spite of these calamities, men refuse to repent. What are the last three trumpets called? Revelation 8:13.
    

2. The fifth trumpet is the first woe when Yahweh's judgment allows mankind to be tormented. Who is responsible for the torment? Revelation 9:1 and 11.
   
      NOTE: Abaddon is Hebrew for destroyer or Satan.
    

3. When the key opens the bottomless pit, what takes place? Verses 1-2. Could the locusts hurt the vegetation of the earth? What about those who have the seal of Yahweh and Yahshua given them in baptism? Verse 4.
   
      NOTE: The vegetation is not harmed as yet because there are still some of Yahweh's people on earth. Notice that those who do not have the precious seal of the sacred Name in their foreheads are tormented five months, verses 5-6.
    

4. The sixth angel sounds the second woe, Revelation 9:13, and an army of 200 million soldiers kill a third of mankind.
   
      NOTE: This army uses weapons of terrifying power. Remember that John wrote what he saw in a vision, but related the weapons to the objects of which he was familiar.
    

5. Are men at this point willing to repent and turn to Yahweh? Verses 20-21.
    

6. When the seventh angel sounds the last trumpet, what do the celestial voices say? Revelation 11:15-17. Are the nations thankful that Yahshua has returned to stop the carnage and bloodshed? Verse 18.
   
      NOTE: The saints get their reward when the seventh trumpet is sounded, verse 18. We do not go to heaven to get it. It is to those who fear or stand in awe or reverence of His holy Name. Same verse.
      The seventh trumpet precedes the seven last plagues (chapters 15-20). In the days of Noah, people rebelled instead of repented. Also, those with Korah who would not accept Moses as Yahweh's anointed to lead Israel out of the land of Egypt fought Yahweh. These were destroyed because of their rebellion.
      By now you can see that the Feast of Trumpets is to alert us to the return of our Savior Yahshua the Messiah. Unless we become converted and allow Yahweh's Spirit to control us, we are carnal. To be carnally minded is to be at enmity with Yahweh according to Paul.
      At this last trump, Yahweh pours out His indignation upon earth. He calls mankind to repentance and marks those who are influenced by Satan and have joined his rebellion.

Sounds of Joy for the Faithful

1. Did Paul understand the significance of the Feast of Trumpets? 1 Corinthians 15:52.
   
      NOTE: Just as the last long trumpet blast brought down the walls of Jericho with a great shout, so will the final trumpet with a great shout bring down the last of the world's present rebellion against Yahshua the Messiah and His Father Yahweh.
    

2. Who will be the victims of Satan's last-ditch effort to stop Yahshua from taking control of this earth? Revelation 12:17.
   
      NOTE: Those who are obedient to Yahweh will feel the wrath of Satan in the last days.
    

3. What does David say in Psalm 81 about the trumpet? Is it a time of rejoicing and singing? Verses 1-3.
   
      NOTE: Just as Yahweh said He would have taken care of all Israel's problems had they only been obedient. He also will look after His people when the Messiah returns at the last trumpet.
      Yahweh's Word gives the comfort and promise that He will preserve us and that we will not perish if we believe and trust in Him. Yahweh gave us His Son as the Passover Lamb so we would not merely die, but as His Son was resurrected, so we also might have eternal life.

Spiritual Meaning of the Feast of Trumpets

   The Feast of Trumpets should bring to remembrance the alarms of war and the gathering of brethren of like precious faith. At the last trump gathering we shall rejoice before Yahshua the Messiah and give honor, praise and glory forever to the Father Yahweh.

   In addition to the obvious physical meaning of the Feast of Trumpets, a deeper, spiritual meaning is taught in the New Testament. The trumpet sound announces the Sabbatical-Jubilee cycle as seen in in Leviticus 25:9-12. All men who obey Yahweh will be redeemed and enjoy their rightful inheritance--the earth. Yahshua promised this in Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

   When control of the earth is wrested from those who would destroy it, the rightful inheritors shall be given their inheritance. It is the meek in spirit who willingly and gladly obey Yahweh's Word and mold their lives accordingly.

   At Passover we are spiritual babes, just beginning our trek out of the confusion of the religions and ways of the world. At Pentecost (Feast of Weeks) we taste of the greater power of he Holy Spirit, which helps us overcome the world, the flesh and the testings of the Adversary. By the time we come to Trumpets, we are much matured and prepared for the return of the Savior.

1. When Yahshua returns, will those who are not prepared for Him rejoice, or will they fear and tremble? Joel 2:1.
   
      NOTE: Compare the reassurance given to His people by Yahshua in John 14:1-3.
    

2. Did Paul reveal that our battle is not only against the things we can see, but also waged in the spiritual realm? Ephesians 6:12.
   
      NOTE: It is obvious that the present rulers of this world are not the angelic throng of Yahweh, but another force. We can expect wickedness to proliferate and strengthen as we near the end of the age.
    

3. How are we to prepare to stand fast in following the Messiah so that we can ward off the pulls of spiritual wickedness all around us? Ephesians 6:11.
   
      NOTE: Verses 13-18 give us the complete preparation we require daily.
    

4. What is one of the reasons Yahshua appeared? 1 John 3:8.
   
      NOTE: Although Yahshua withstood the temptation of the Adversary (Matthew 4:1-4), He has not at this time completed His conquest.
    

5. Does the Bible teach that Yahweh is an El of war? Exodus 15:3.
   
      NOTE: While the world has not seen the wrath of Yahweh, He is yet going to establish His rule on earth in the time ahead of us.
    

6. We often read of the King of glory. While the Bible teaches that Yahweh also is strong, what else do we learn in Psalm 24:8?
   
      NOTE: Our leader in this spiritual warfare is omnipotent, all-powerful and will eventually give us the victory.
    

7. We are told in Ephesians 6:13 to put on the whole armor of Yahweh, that we may be able to stand in the evil day. Does this imply that we must be prepared at all times for the return of the Messiah?
   
      NOTE: We should keep our spiritual ear tuned to the trumpet sound of the returning Messiah, keeping our mind on heavenly things.
    

8. Our mind and heart should be able to distinguish the evil around us. This comes through regular Bible reading, study and fellowship of True Believers. We will one day rule with Yahshua and even now must allow His Word to become part of our very nature.
      When the trumpet sounds, we will then be fully prepared to accept our reward from the Savior. When will we receive our reward? Revelation 22:12.
   
      NOTE: The Bible teaches that we are in the grave until the resurrection.
    

9. Paul teaches that we are to be patient and continue in the narrow way of righteousness, for the coming judgment is certain, Romans 2:3-4. If we condemn others who are disobedient and we do the same things, the penalty will be exacted, verse 5. When does Paul say this will occur? Same verse.
   
      NOTE: The "Day of Wrath" is the time when Yahshua returns to this earth in judgment, Revelation 11:18, at the last trumpet.
   
    

10. When is the judgment and to whom will it be rendered? Romans 2:6-8.
    
       NOTE: The reward for those who seek glory, honor, and immortality will be eternal life. To the unrighteous, indignation and wrath.
     

   If we patiently follow in the footsteps of the Savior day by day, we will be prepared when the trumpet sounds and we rise to meet Him in the air.

   Obviously trumpets in Scripture have a deep meaning. The seventh and last trumpet heralds the return of the Savior to take charge of the governments of the earth, Revelation 11:15. It is a time of the resurrection of the saints, 1 Corinthians 15:52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

   There are dangerous and yet exciting times ahead of us. In His Word, our Heavenly Father has placed some waymarks that we can watch for and keep our mind on as we observe the Feast of Trumpets, knowing that the last trumpet will usher in the government of the Savior as He sets up His throne and rules with a rod of iron, Revelation 2:26-27.

   Yahweh has given you the opportunity to rule with the saints under Yahshua the Messiah. But you must fear His Name and be sealed in His Name and His Father's Name, Revelation 14:1 (margin). It is His Name that will separate the followers of Yahshua from those of the world, Revelation 20:4. Have you taken that step of being sealed through baptism into His Name?

If you have any questions on any of the above, please e-mail us.

Otherwise, Click on "Test" to see what you've learned!

May Yahweh bless you and help you in all your learning endeavors!