The Meaning of the Trumpets Part 1.
The Greek words for trumpets and trumpeting occur 144 times in the Greek translation of the Old Testament. Most of those references (105 out of 144) concern either signalling in warfare, worship, and prayer—or a combination thereof. The clearest single passage on the meaning of trumpets is Numbers 10:8–10 which was to signal a warning to their enemies, or to call the Israelites to worship. In ancient Israel the trumpets were always to be handled by the priests (Num. 10:8), even in warfare. So, there is a spiritual meaning that Israel was to discern in the blowing of trumpets. Signalling trumpets represented a prayer to God for intervention in battle (Num. 10:9). Likewise, in the temple and on the feast days (ceremonial yearly Sabbaths), the blowing of trumpets invited God’s spiritual intervention in the lives of His people (Num. 10:10). So, the essential meaning of trumpets in the Old Testament is covenant-based prayer, calling on God to remember His people.
Most of the occurrences of trumpets and trumpeting in the New Testament are in Revelation (E.g. Revelation 1:10 and Revelation 8 and 9.) At first glance, it might seem that signalling in warfare is the primary meaning in the seven trumpets of Revelation. But the connection between the trumpets and the fifth seal underlines the prayer theme as the primary one here, too.
The trumpets are a response to the prayers of the suffering of God’s people throughout the ages (Rev. 6:9, 10; Rev. 8:2–6).
It assures them that God has noticed their suffering, and, even though He may seem silent in their experience, He is already acting in history against those who have persecuted them (compare Rev. 6:10 and Rev. 8:13 )
So when then do these trumpets begin? The throwing down of the censer (or fire) in Revelation 8:5 suggests to some interpreters a glimpse of the close of probation – like when Noah went into the ark and the door was shut – time to repent had run out. The seven trumpets seem to forecast events in the course of Christian history leading up to that similar final event, when no one will be able any longer to cross the line of salvation, repent and be saved. Several indications in the text substantiate this interpretation. First, the pattern in the first half of the book is that the visions begin with the New Testament era and cover events throughout Christian history. Second, whatever the casting down of the censer (fire) in Revelation 8:5 means, probation is clearly not yet closed at the time of the sixth trumpet. The intercession at the altar is still taking place (Rev. 9:13). The gospel is still going forth (Rev. 10:11; 11:3–6). That the “interlude” of Revelation 10:1–11:13 should be included in our understanding of the sixth trumpet, will be discussed in due course. Finally, the proclamation of the gospel ends, and probation fully closes only at the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 10:7). So, the seven trumpets of Revelation seem to cover the whole course of history from John’s day to the close of probation and final events.
So, in summary, we have noted the guidelines for trumpet use in numbers 10 and the astounding promise made to Rahab (who gets into the David genealogy via Ruth and therefore Christ’s genealogy), but also the victory of that account for God’s people. We have also seen a parallel to the daily sacrificial service which was God’s lesson book of salvation and the subsequent destruction of sin and all evil.
In view of all this the trumpets of Revelation 8 and 9 carry a message that should be readily apparent to all who understand both the Old Testament and the sanctuary services of ancient Israel. The message of the trumpets is that sin, lies and rebellion are being dealt with, and that nothing can withstand the hand of the Almighty God. Total obliteration of sin and its adherents is as inevitable as was the destruction of Jericho, or the pre-flood world. Note also that the victory of God’s people is just as certain.
So, the trumpets are not war and misery and gloom! No, God is delivering His people! Injustices and wrongs are being put right and the Universe will eventually be returned to harmony. However, we will have to wait a few chapters for that to be worked out. TBC
Thank you Lord for the answering of our prayers