The sounding of the shofar is a wake-up call to his people. What does the sound DO to us physically? It certainly shocks. It causes us to pause. But what makes this sound so unique?
The first shofar blast occurred on Shavuot at the giving of the Torah (Matan Torah) at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16,19). This shofar blast was of heavenly origin and is the first time the Bible records the sound of the shofar being heard.
The sound of the shofar is the sound of Adonai’s promise of provision. One of the primary readings on Rosh Hashanah is the binding of Isaac found in Genesis 22. In this passage, the Lord tests Abraham by commanding him, “Take your son, your only son whom you love – Isaac- and go to the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains about which I will tell you.” Abraham and Isaac went, and Abraham proceeded to bind Isaac upon the altar. He was about to offer his beloved son to the Lord when, – at the last moment -, an angel called to Abraham not to sacrifice Isaac. As Abraham lifted his eyes, he saw a ram that was caught in the thicket by its horns. Abraham offered the ram in place of Isaac, and the named the place “Adonai Yirah” – as it is said today, “On the mountain the Lord will provide.”
The shofar that is blown on Yom Teruah is a ram’s horn and reminds us that Adonai is our provider.
The sound of the shofar is the sound of new beginnings. It reminds us of the time God breathed the breath of life into Adam. It is therefore the reason we celebrate the birthday of the world, the creation of humanity.
The sound of the shofar is also the sound of freedom. The shofar was sounded at the start of every seventh year, the sabbatical year, or in Hebrew “Shemittah”- announcing that it was time to release all Hebrew slaves from their six years of servitude. According to Jewish tradition, it was on Rosh Hashanah that Joseph was freed from prison in Egypt.
The sound of the shofar is the sound of change, transformation and hope. It symbolizes that things can and will ultimately change. Ultimately, the sound of the shofar symbolizes that things can and will change. This promise of change should instill hope into our hearts, reminding that our future will be better than our past.
The sound of the shofar is a call for God’s people to arise, turn and return to Him with greater relational intimacy. When we return to God, we experience transformation and restoration in our lives.
Standing with Israel 