The Feast of Trumpets began this Wednesday at sunset. It goes by various names in Hebrew: Yom Teruah (day of the trumpet blast), Zikron Teruah (a memorial for blowing the trumpets) and Rosh Hoshannah (Head of the Year). It is celebrated on the first day of the Hebrew month called Tishri. It is considered the beginning of the civil year and begins the Ten Days of Awe.
On the Feast of Trumpets, the Jewish people believe that God will write your name in one of three books: the book of life, the book of the wicked, or the book of the intermediate. This is why there is such a heavy emphasis on repentance during the season of Teshuvah. This day also has tremendous prophetic implications.
In the future, a seven-year period called the 70th week of Daniel will take place. It will commence the most chaotic time ever known on planet Earth. There will be wars between many nations, famine will be rife, pestilence will spread like never before and humanity will be in total desperation. God’s wrath will be poured out. Billions of people will perish in the process. As we approach the end of this seven-year period, the remnants of the nations will march on Jerusalem to destroy God’s people.
Then I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, who go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. … They gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Armageddon. (Rev. 16:13-14, 16).
These nations are gathering to fight for control of the world. They also want to stamp out what remains of Israel. Just when it seems to be a hopeless situation, Jesus Christ will intervene on their behalf! He will blow the trumpet (shofar in Hebrew, which means a ram’s horn) and return to save His people!
“Then the Lord will appear over them, and His arrow will go out like lightning. The Lord God will sound His trumpet, and will march forth like storm winds of southern Teman” (Zech. 9:14).
I saw heaven opened. And there was a white horse. He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written, that no one knows but He Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood. His name is called The Word of God. The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. …
Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to wage war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. But the beast was captured and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone. The remnant were slain with the sword which proceeded out of the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves with their flesh.
Jesus Christ will return on a white horse to deliver His people from utter destruction. Following Him will be the armies of God, which is the body of Christ (Rev. 17:14). After these armies are defeated, there will be people who have survived this terrible seven-year time period. Zechariah 14 is another passage that discusses this battle. It mentions the survivors of the nations (verse 16).
When Jesus returns, a court will be seated, and books will be opened! Every person who survives the wrath of God will have an opportunity to have their name written in the book of life:
I watched until the thrones were cast down and the Ancient of Days was seated, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool. His throne was like the fiery flame, and its wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came out from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The judgment was set, and the books were opened.
As we remember and celebrate this year’s Feast of Trumpets, we have much to keep in mind. Let us not forget that Jesus will deliver His people at Armageddon at the sound of the trumpet. He can also deliver you today. Let us also remember that He offers the grace that allows your name to be written in the book of life. {eoa}
Kelly McDonald Jr. is an ordained evangelist at Hungry Hearts Ministries in Jackson, Tennessee. He has written over 40 books and booklets on pursing Christ, Hebrew roots and end-times prophecy. He is currently president of the Bible Sabbath Association (BSA). You can follow him at kellymcdonaldjr.com.
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