Definition and Purpose:
Blast-trumpets, often referred to as "shofars" in Hebrew, are ancient musical instruments made from ram's horns. They hold significant ceremonial and symbolic importance in the biblical narrative. The blast-trumpet is primarily used for religious purposes, including calling assemblies, signaling movements, and marking sacred occasions. Its sound is described as a powerful and penetrating blast, capable of stirring the hearts of the people and signifying the presence and power of God.

Biblical References:
The use of blast-trumpets is mentioned throughout the Old Testament, serving various functions in the life of Israel. In Exodus 19:16, the blast of a trumpet is associated with the theophany at Mount Sinai: "On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled." This event underscores the trumpet's role in divine revelation and covenant-making.

In Leviticus 25:9, the trumpet is used to proclaim the Year of Jubilee: "Then you shall sound the ram’s horn abroad on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall sound the horn all through your land." The blast-trumpet here signifies liberation and restoration, marking a time of forgiveness and freedom.

The book of Numbers details the use of trumpets for practical purposes, such as directing the movement of the Israelite camp and calling the congregation together. Numbers 10:2-3 states, "Make two trumpets of hammered silver, and use them for calling the community together and for having the camps set out."

Symbolism and Significance:
The blast-trumpet is rich in symbolic meaning. It represents the voice of God, calling His people to attention and action. The sound of the trumpet is often associated with divine intervention and the ushering in of significant events. In Joshua 6:4-5, the blast of the trumpets played a crucial role in the fall of Jericho: "Have seven priests carry seven trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse, and the army will go up, everyone straight in."

The prophetic literature also employs the imagery of the trumpet. In Joel 2:1, the trumpet is a warning of impending judgment: "Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand."

New Testament Context:
While the New Testament does not frequently mention the blast-trumpet, its eschatological significance is evident. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, the trumpet is associated with the return of Christ: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." Similarly, in Revelation 8:6, the seven trumpets herald the unfolding of divine judgments during the end times.

Cultural and Liturgical Use:
In Jewish tradition, the shofar continues to be an integral part of religious observance, particularly during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Its blasts are a call to repentance and reflection, echoing its biblical roots as a herald of God's presence and action.

The blast-trumpet, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, His call to holiness, and the anticipation of His ultimate redemption and restoration of creation.Blast-trumpets (3 Occurrences)

Joshua 6:4
And seven priests shall carry before the ark seven blast-trumpets; and on the seventh day ye shall go round the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.
(DBY)

Joshua 6:8
And it came to pass when Joshua had spoken to the people, that the seven priests carrying the seven blast-trumpets before Jehovah passed on and blew with the trumpets; and the ark of the covenant of Jehovah went after them.
(DBY)

Joshua 6:13
And the seven priests carrying the seven blast-trumpets before the ark of Jehovah went on and blew continually with the trumpets; and the armed men went before them, and the rearguard went after the ark of Jehovah; they blew with the trumpets in marching.
(DBY)

Blast-trumpets (3 Occurrences)
Blast-trumpets. Blasts, Blast-trumpets. Blastus . Multi-Version
Concordance Blast-trumpets (3 Occurrences). Joshua 6 ...
/b/blast-trumpets.htm - 7k

Carrying (88 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:8 And it came to pass when Joshua had spoken to the people, that the seven
priests carrying the seven blast-trumpets before Jehovah passed on and blew ...
/c/carrying.htm - 32k

Rearguard (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:13 And the seven priests carrying the seven blast-trumpets before the ark
of Jehovah went on and blew continually with the trumpets; and the armed men ...
/r/rearguard.htm - 7k

Marching (17 Occurrences)
... Joshua 6:13 And the seven priests carrying the seven blast-trumpets before the ark
of Jehovah went on and blew continually with the trumpets; and the armed men ...
/m/marching.htm - 12k

Blastus (1 Occurrence)

/b/blastus.htm - 7k

Blasts (2 Occurrences)

/b/blasts.htm - 7k

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