Topical Encyclopedia The trumpet made of rams' horns, commonly referred to as the "shofar," holds significant historical and spiritual importance in the biblical narrative. This ancient instrument is prominently featured in various passages of the Old Testament, serving both practical and symbolic purposes.Biblical References and Usage The shofar is first mentioned in the context of the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. In Exodus 19:16 , it is written, "On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled." Here, the sound of the shofar signifies the divine presence and the awe-inspiring power of God as He communicates with His people. One of the most notable uses of the shofar is found in the account of the Battle of Jericho. In Joshua 6:4-5 , the Lord instructs Joshua, "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 trumpets. And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, each man straight ahead." The shofar here is a tool of divine intervention, heralding the miraculous victory granted by God. The shofar is also associated with the Year of Jubilee, a time of liberation and restoration. Leviticus 25:9 states, "Then you are to sound the horn far and wide on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall sound it throughout your land." The blast of the shofar marks the beginning of this sacred year, emphasizing themes of freedom and redemption. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance The shofar's sound is often interpreted as a call to repentance and spiritual awakening. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the need for His people to remain faithful and obedient. The prophet Joel captures this sentiment in Joel 2:1 : "Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near." In Jewish tradition, the shofar is prominently featured during the High Holy Days, particularly Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Its blasts are meant to stir the hearts of the faithful, prompting introspection and a return to God. Construction and Characteristics The shofar is traditionally made from the horn of a ram, though other kosher animals' horns may be used. Its natural, unadorned form is a testament to its humble origins and the simplicity of its construction. The process of crafting a shofar involves hollowing out the horn and shaping it to produce a resonant sound. The sound of the shofar is unique and piercing, capable of evoking a range of emotions from fear to joy. Its tones vary depending on the size and shape of the horn, as well as the skill of the blower. Conclusion The trumpet made of rams' horns, or shofar, is a profound symbol within the biblical tradition. Its use in scripture underscores themes of divine intervention, repentance, and redemption, serving as a powerful reminder of God's presence and authority in the lives of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 6:4And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day you shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How the Midianites and Other Nations Fought against the Israelites ... Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ... The Christian Described The Gods of Egypt Memoir of John Bunyan Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Light for them that Sit in Darkness; Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: The Pilgrim's Progress Resources What is the meaning of wormwood in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Feast of Trumpets? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven seals of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Trumpet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trumpet in the Siege of Jericho Trumpet used for Assembling the People to War Trumpet used for Blowing at all Religious Processions and Ceremonies Trumpet used for Blowing Over the Sacrifices on the Feast Day Trumpet used for Calling Assemblies Trumpet used for Giving Alarm in Cases of Danger Trumpet used for Proclaiming Kings Trumpet used for Regulating the Journeys of the Children of Israel Trumpet used for Sounding for a Memorial when the People Went Into Battle Trumpet: An Instrument of Music Trumpet: At Jehoshaphat's Triumph Trumpet: At the Anointing of Kings Trumpet: At the Bringing up of the Ark of the Covenant from the Household of Obed-Edom Trumpet: At the Dedication of Solomon's Temple Trumpet: At the Dedication of the Wall Trumpet: At the Foundation of the Second Temple Trumpet: Miracles Connected With: Confusion Produced in the Camp of the Midianites by Sound Trumpet: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Trumpet: Miracles Connected With: Heard at Mount Sinai at Giving of the Law Trumpet: Moses Commanded to Make Two, for the Tabernacle Trumpet: On the Great Day of Atonement Trumpet: Required to Give an Intelligible and Understood Sound Trumpet: Solomon Made a Great Many, for the Service of the Temple Trumpet: Sounded in Time of Danger Trumpet: Sounding of, Illustrative of God's Power to Raise the Dead Trumpet: Sounding of, Illustrative of The Bold and Faithful Preaching of Ministers Trumpet: Sounding of, Illustrative of The Latter Day Judgments Trumpet: Sounding of, Illustrative of The Proclamation of the Gospel Trumpet: The Feast of Trumpets Celebrated by Blowing of Trumpet: The Jubilee Introduced by Blowing of Trumpet: The Priests to Blow the Sacred Trumpet: The War-Horse Acquainted With the Sound of Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Absalom Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Ehud Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Gideon Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Joab Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Nehemiah Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Phinehas Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Saul Trumpet: To Summon Soldiers by Sheba Trumpet: Uses of, Prescribed by Moses Related Terms |