Topical Bible: Trumpet: Sounding of, Illustrative of The Latter Day Judgments

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The sounding of trumpets holds significant eschatological symbolism within the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the latter-day judgments. Throughout Scripture, the trumpet is a powerful instrument used to signal important events, divine interventions, and the execution of God's judgments.

Old Testament Foundations

The use of trumpets in the Old Testament often signified the presence and power of God. In Exodus 19:16, the sound of a trumpet grew louder and louder as God descended upon Mount Sinai, marking the giving of the Law. This event established the trumpet as a symbol of divine revelation and authority. Similarly, in Joshua 6:4-5, the Israelites were instructed to march around Jericho with trumpets, and on the seventh day, the sound of the trumpets accompanied by a great shout led to the collapse of the city walls, demonstrating God's judgment and deliverance.

Prophetic Imagery

The prophets frequently employed the imagery of trumpets to convey messages of impending judgment and the need for repentance. In Joel 2:1, the prophet declares, "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." Here, the trumpet serves as a warning of the coming day of the Lord, a time of judgment and reckoning.

New Testament Revelation

The New Testament further develops the theme of trumpets in the context of eschatological events. In the Book of Revelation, the sounding of trumpets is intricately linked to the unfolding of God's final judgments upon the earth. Revelation 8:6-7 states, "Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to sound them. And the first angel sounded his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, along with a third of the trees and all the green grass."

The subsequent trumpet blasts in Revelation continue to depict a series of catastrophic judgments, each intensifying in severity. These trumpet judgments serve as divine instruments to execute God's wrath upon a rebellious world, calling humanity to repentance and heralding the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom.

The Last Trumpet

The Apostle Paul also references the trumpet in the context of the resurrection and the return of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:52, he writes, "in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." This "last trumpet" signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan, marking the resurrection of the dead and the transformation of believers.

Symbol of Divine Intervention

Throughout Scripture, the sounding of trumpets is consistently associated with divine intervention, judgment, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. Whether in the context of Old Testament battles, prophetic warnings, or New Testament eschatology, the trumpet serves as a powerful symbol of God's sovereign authority and the unfolding of His divine plan for the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 8:2,13
And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Memoir of John Bunyan
... an archangel flew in the midst of heaven, sounding a trumpet ... What shall I do, the
day of judgment is come, and ... which I heard a great sound of a trumpet, and saw ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... come," and of "ignorance," is strikingly illustrative; as is ... moving of their mind,
and the sounding of their ... comers, At "that day the great trumpet shall be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm