In Leviticus 23:23-25 the first day (new moon) of the seventh month is set apart as a solemn rest, “a memorial of blowing of trumpets” (the Hebrew leaves “of trumpets” to be understood), signalized further by “a holy convocation,” abstinence from work, and the presentation of “an offering made by fire.” In Numbers 29:1-6 these directions are repeated, with a detailed specification of the nature of the offering. In addition to the usual daily burnt sacrifices and the special offerings for new moons, there are to be offered one bullock, one ram, and seven he-lambs, with proper meal offerings, together with a he-goat for a sin offering.
The significance of the feast lay in the fact that it marked the beginning of the new year according to the older calendar. Originally the “revolution” of the year was reckoned in the fall (Exodus 23:16; 34:22), and the change to the spring never thoroughly displaced the older system. In fact the spring New Year never succeeded in becoming a specially recognized feast, and to Jewish ears “New Year’s Day” (השּׁנה ראש, rō'sh ha-shānāh) invariably signifies an autumnal festival. So the Mishna (Rō'sh ha-shānāh, i. 1): “There are four periods of commencement of years: On the 1st of Nisan is a new year for kings and for festivals; the 1st of Elul is a new year for the tithe of cattle.... The 1st of Tishri is new year’s (day) for the ordinary or civil year, for the computation of 7th years, and of the jubilees; also for the planting of trees, and for herbs. On the 1st of Shebat is the new year for trees.”
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Author: International Std. Bible Encyclopedia
Keywords: Trumpets Feast of, Feast of trumpets, Trumpet, blowing of trumpets, rams horn, shofar, blowing shofar
Bible reference(s): Lev 23:23-25, Num 29:1-6
Source: James Orr (editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 5 volume set.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.