The trumpet holds a significant place in biblical history and worship, serving as both a musical instrument and a tool for communication. In the Bible, trumpets are often associated with important religious ceremonies, military signals, and divine interventions. The Hebrew word for trumpet, "shofar," typically refers to a ram's horn, while "chatsotserah" denotes a metal trumpet.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, trumpets were used for various purposes, including calling the congregation, signaling the start of festivals, and announcing the beginning of a battle. Numbers 10:2-10 provides detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the use of silver trumpets: "Make two trumpets of hammered silver to be used for calling the congregation and for having the camps set out" (Numbers 10:2). These trumpets were integral to the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, serving as a means to communicate God's commands.

The shofar, or ram's horn, is another type of trumpet mentioned frequently in the Old Testament. It was used in religious ceremonies, such as the Feast of Trumpets, and played a crucial role in the fall of Jericho. Joshua 6:4-5 describes the use of the shofar in the battle of Jericho: "Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the horns" (Joshua 6:4).

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the trumpet continues to hold symbolic significance, often associated with eschatological events. The Apostle Paul refers to the trumpet in the context of the resurrection of the dead and the return of Christ: "For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:52). Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, the trumpet is mentioned as heralding the second coming 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."

The Book of Revelation also features trumpets prominently, where they are used to announce divine judgments. Revelation 8-11 describes a series of seven trumpets, each heralding a specific judgment upon the earth.

Symbolism and Significance

Throughout the Bible, the trumpet serves as a powerful symbol of God's presence and authority. It is often associated with divine revelation and the proclamation of God's will. The sound of the trumpet is a call to attention, a summons to worship, and a signal of impending action, whether it be a call to battle or the announcement of a holy convocation.

In biblical worship, the trumpet is an instrument of praise, used to glorify God and celebrate His mighty works. Psalm 150:3 encourages the use of trumpets in worship: "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre" . The trumpet's clear and penetrating sound serves as a reminder of the power and majesty of God, calling His people to worship and obedience.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, the construction and use of trumpets were highly regulated, reflecting their sacred purpose. The silver trumpets described in Numbers were crafted by skilled artisans and used exclusively by the priests. The shofar, on the other hand, was more accessible and could be used by the general populace, particularly in times of war or celebration.

The trumpet's role in biblical times extends beyond its musical function, serving as a critical tool for communication and a symbol of divine authority. Its enduring presence in Scripture underscores its importance in the religious and cultural life of the Israelites and the early Christian church.2 Kings 11:14
And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew with trumpets: and Athaliah rent her clothes, and cried, Treason, Treason.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 29:27
And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering on the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... by the licentious and mischievous art of music. ... a pacific instrument; while other
instruments, if you ... therefore, the Etruscans use the trumpet, the Arcadians ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iv how to conduct ourselves.htm

Introduction.
... Only the Feast trumpet was left ... close of the 16th century there were no instruments
allowed in ... the ecclesiastical song-service, wrote chant music (to Scripture ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/introduction.htm

Psalm CL.
... 5. "Praise Him in the sound of the trumpet" (ver.3): on account of the surpassing ...
But "organ" is a general name for all instruments of music, although usage ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cl.htm

Introduction.
... These and the other mighty men in Israel are like the ruder instruments
of music"the trumpet of Sinai, with its one prolonged note. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm

The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ...
... Bring out the silver trumpet; let thy lips remember the long-loved ... been made white
and pure, bring forth your instruments of song ... "Hither, then, your music bring ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the memorable hymn and when.htm

A Short Essay Toward the Improvement of Psalmody:
... Scripture ought to learn the Hebrew Music, and sing ... Singers went before, the Players
on Instruments followed after ... with the Psaltery, blow up the Trumpet in the ...
/.../a short essay toward the improvement of psalmody/a short essay toward the.htm

The Revelation
... of their wrong act, those who banished John became instruments in the ... me a great
voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I ... His voice is like the music of many waters. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 57 the revelation.htm

The Form and Spirit of Religion
... At the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens ... that Eleazar, the high priest, with a silver
trumpet, stood in ... battle, bearing in his hands the holy instruments of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the form and spirit of.htm

Israel in Egypt
... are composed of weapons of death and of instruments of war ... so much as to say, It
was doleful music which came ... with roll of drum and blast of trumpet they had ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/israel in egypt.htm

Composition and Style
... by harmony, otherwise the sounds of musical instruments, tho they ... The sound of a
trumpet is not the same when it ... must it be with eloquence, the music of which ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/composition and style.htm

Should a Christian listen to secular music? | GotQuestions.org

When can music be considered 'Christian music'? | GotQuestions.org

Is Christian rock music appropriate? | GotQuestions.org

Music: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus