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Lift Up Your Voice Like a Trumpet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the life of ancient Israel, the blast of a trumpet, often associated with the showphar (H7782), carried profound significance. This instrument, frequently understood as a ram's horn, was integral to various aspects of Israelite society, serving multiple purposes as outlined in sacred writings. The sound of the showphar was used to call assemblies, direct the movement of the camp, signal the call to war, mark days of gladness, announce appointed feast days, signify new moons, accompany sacrifices and offerings, herald the Jubilee Year, facilitate general worship, and celebrate a king's coronation. One notable occasion for the showphar is during the Feast of Trumpets, known in Hebrew as Yom Teruah, meaning Day of Shouting. This day is described as a memorial of shouting, which could imply the blast of the showphar or even the collective shouting of the people in praise. The Hebrew term "teruah" associated with this feast suggests a shout or blast, emphasizing the powerful auditory signal of the showphar in summoning attention and reverence. The showphar also played a role in praising God, as its sounding was not only a call to gather but a means to glorify Him during feast days and regular worship. Additionally, it provided direction, as seen in historical accounts where trumpet blasts guided armies and camps, signaling movements and strategies. The showphar served as an announcement tool, proclaiming significant events like the Year of Jubilee, alerting the people to forthcoming liberty and celebration. Lastly, it functioned as a warning, a loud declaration of impending danger or divine judgment, urging the people to prepare or seek refuge, as reflected in various prophetic and historical narratives. Through these diverse uses, the showphar was a vital instrument in maintaining the spiritual, communal, and defensive fabric of Israelite life, ensuring that the voice of God and the needs of the community were heard across vast encampments and generations.
How Long, O Lord?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The significance of the shofar, known as showphar (H7782), is deeply tied to the Day of Trumpets, a holy day uniquely marked by its blowing to announce its arrival in the Old Testament. This instrument, used to produce a powerful sound, served multiple purposes in ancient times when modern communication was absent. The primary use of the shofar was to call the people to assemble, often at the Tabernacle, for important gatherings. It also summoned leaders of Israel's divisions to meetings and signaled the tribes to move out on their marches in an orderly fashion during their wilderness journeys. Additionally, the shofar sounded alarms for war, marked the beginning of each new moon to track time through the year, and was blown during peace offerings and holy day observances. A striking instance of its use occurred at Mount Sinai, where its shrill sound manifested a portion of God's power, creating an almost unbearable evidence of His presence as the people assembled before Him. The shofar, in this context, announced the arrival of the Ruler, underscoring its role in heralding significant divine events.
Coming to Know Him
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is marked by the significant and distinctive act of trumpet-blowing, specifically with the *showphar* (H7782), which takes center stage on this day. This feast, also described as a memorial of blowing of trumpets or a remembrance of the shout of the *showphar*, emphasizes the importance of sound as a means to capture attention. The blast of the *showphar* is a powerful noise, a call that historically signaled war, movement of the camp, or the announcement of a holy day, ensuring that all within range are alerted and informed of what must be done. In the context of the return of Jesus Christ, the shout of the *showphar* is envisioned as a monumental sound accompanying His descent from heaven. This shout, along with the voice of an archangel and the blast of a trumpet, will be an overwhelming clamor, impossible to ignore. It will serve as a divine announcement, ensuring that every person on earth is aware of His coming. The *showphar*'s sound, as memorialized on the Feast of Trumpets, symbolizes this ultimate call to attention, heralding the moment when all will recognize the Great Almighty Creator and Ruler of mankind.
The Seventh Trumpet
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is a memorial of blowing of trumpets, symbolizing the Day of the Lord, the real war to end all wars, when Christ will subdue the earth.
Trumpets and the Fall of Jericho
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOne major incident involving the blowing of trumpets occurred at the outset of Israel's incursion into Canaan, when God brought down the walls of Jericho.

The Rapture and Trumpets
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe delusion of the pre-Tribulation 'rapture' concept, made popular by the Left Behind books and movies, hopelessly messes up the timing of Bible prophecy.
Reconciliation (Part Two): Christ's Work
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter reconciliation, there can finally be a meeting of minds as we are fashioned into a new creation, invited to sit in heavenly places, created for good works.
Trumpets and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur hope is founded on Jesus rising from the dead. If there is no resurrection, our faith is worthless; if Christ did not rise, we are still under condemnation.
Trumpets Means War!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen Jesus Christ returns, He will marshal an army of resurrected saints who will wage a just war against the Satan-inspired end-time rebellion.
How Long, O Lord? (1994)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe references to trumpets suggest an announcement of a specific event or an alarm of what is to follow. Typically, the events themselves are figurative trumpet blasts.
Fall Feast Lessons
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe world will learn that God judges—that He has the ultimate decision over everything. After Satan is bound, God will bring about seven reconcilements.
Psalms: Book Four: He Is Coming!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is like the opening salvo of the fall feasts, beginning with a blast of the trumpet or shofar, reminiscent of the event on Mount Sinai.
Who Is on the Lord's Side?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Feast of Trumpets is a day of decision, a time to determine whether we are on the Lord's side. We must loyally fulfill the role to which God called us.

Zephaniah (Part One): The Day of the Lord Is Near!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughZephaniah's prophecy is sharply focused on Judah and Jerusalem because they should have known better. They are ordered to keep silent and consider their sins.
Preparations For Christ's Return
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of its intractability, the earth will require softening up through earth-shaking events before Christ's return, symbolized by the Feast of Trumpets.
Trumpets: Glorious Appearings
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod spoke audibly to Moses and the people, intentionally testing their faithfulness, to instill the fear of the Lord in them, and to keep them from sin.
Would Our God Do That?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe distorted perception of Jesus as an effeminate and ineffective Savior fails to understand that He is the so-called stern God of the Old Testament.

The Shout of a King
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe Day of Trumpets had a first century, Messianic fulfillment that most of the Jews, then and now, completely missed.
Examining God's Judgments
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fall holy days picture various judgments by God, bringing about liberty, reconciliation, regathering, and restoration.
The Last Jubilee
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThe Jubilee was designed to keep the family whole. The Jubilee provided guardrails to prevent them from obsessing about acquiring wealth.