|
The blowing of
the rams horn (shofar in Hebrew) is used to usher in the biblical festivals
of Israel, including the Sabbath, and to inspire people to amend their
lives and repent.
The sounding of the shofar 1) symbolizes freedom and liberty, 2) proclaims
the anniversary of the creation of the world 3) is a reminder of the
giving of the 10 commandments at Mt. Sinai, and 4) is a sound that is
guaranteed to confuse and chase Satan away.
The shofar is most often made from a rams hoary, but the horn of a sheep,
goat, or antelope can be used. However, you should never, never use
the horn from a steer, as this would be reminiscent of the golden calf
made by the children of Israel in the desert, as described in Exodus
32.
From biblical description, there are three different sounds blown: TIKIYAH
- a single long blast. SEPHARIM - 3 medium blasts in succession. TRUAHAH
- 9 short, staccato blasts.
In the new testament, the sound of the shofar (trumpet) is associated
with the second coming of Jesus. for the Lord Himself will descent
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the
trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (1 Thess 4:16).
Also, listen, I tell you a mystery: we shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed - in a flash, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be
raised.....(1 Cor 15:51,52).
|