The Feast of Trumpets: Waiting, Working, and Watching for Messiah

A hopeful woman gazes out her window, embodying a serene anticipation for the Messiah's return.

As believers journey through the biblical feast cycle, the Feast of Trumpets, or Yom Teruah, marks an important transition from the spring feasts to the fall feasts. Following Shavuot (Pentecost), there is a season that I like to call the time of the three W's: waiting, working, and watching.

These themes beautifully illustrate how we are to live as we anticipate the return of Yeshua the Messiah.

From Firstfruits to Pentecost: The Beginning of the Harvest

Passover tradition unfolds with matzah, a symbolic cup, and the tallit, woven together in a meaningful celebration.

The spring feasts reveal the first stages of God's redemptive plan. Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits prophetically pointed to Yeshua's death, burial, and resurrection.

At Shavuot (Pentecost), Scripture tells us that two loaves of leavened bread were waved before YHVH (Leviticus 23:17). In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon believers, marking another significant firstfruits event and empowering God's people for service.

The giving of the Holy Spirit also reminds us that believers are now temples of the Holy Spirit (John 4:5-26; Matthew 27:51).

With the completion of the spring feast season, we enter a period of anticipation as we await the fulfillment of the fall feasts.

Waiting Patiently for Messiah's Return

An intricate antique clockface symbolizes the eternal mystery of time, echoing the call to be vigilant for the uncertain hour of the Messiah's return.

It has been nearly two thousand years since Yeshua walked the earth. In Revelation 22:12, He declared:

"Behold, I am coming quickly."

Yet believers throughout every generation have continued to wait for His promised return.

The disciples themselves longed to know when the Kingdom would be restored to Israel (Acts 1:6). However, Yeshua explained that the timing was not for them to know. Instead, He instructed His followers to recognize the signs of His coming (Matthew 24).

Waiting is not passive. Biblical waiting involves faith, endurance, and trust in God's perfect timing.

Working While We Wait

While we wait, we continue the work entrusted to us.

Life continues much as it always has. The sun rises and sets, seasons come and go, and believers are called to faithfully labor in God's harvest field.

Yeshua said:

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Matthew 9:37).

Since Messiah's resurrection, the harvest of souls has been underway. As followers of Yeshua, we are commissioned to proclaim the Good News and make disciples (Mark 16:15).

Faithful servants remain busy doing the Master's work until He returns.

Watching: The Heart of Yom Teruah

A mesmerizing pattern of moon crescents evokes the anticipation of Yom Teruah and the sighting of the New Moon during the Feast of Trumpets.

The Feast of Trumpets is unique among the appointed times because its beginning depended upon the sighting of the new moon. For this reason, Yom Teruah became associated with watchfulness and expectancy.

Yeshua taught:

"But concerning that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Mark 13:32-37).

This imagery closely parallels the Feast of Trumpets. Just as ancient Israel watched for the new moon, believers today are called to watch for the return of Messiah.

We are to be spiritual watchmen, remaining alert, prepared, and faithful.

What Does Yom Teruah Mean?

A figure cloaked in traditional attire sounds the shofar at dawn, evoking the ancient traditions of coronation, assembly, and battle amidst a serene mountainous backdrop.

The Hebrew phrase Yom Teruah literally means "Day of Blowing" or "Day of Shouting."

Throughout Scripture, trumpets were sounded for several important purposes:

1. The Coronation of Messiah the King

Trumpets announced the enthronement of kings (1 Kings 1:30-40). Many believers see this as foreshadowing the future reign of Messiah.

2. Gathering God's People at Yom Teruah

Numbers 10:1-10 describes the use of trumpets to assemble the congregation. Likewise, Scripture teaches that Messiah will gather His people at His return.

3. The Trumpet Call to Battle

Trumpets also sounded in times of warfare (Joshua 6:4; Judges 7:18). Messiah's return includes the final victory over His enemies and the establishment of His Kingdom on earth.

The Feast of Trumpets and the Return of Messiah

Yeshua the King rides triumphantly at the helm of a radiant legion, heralding the eternal victory over evil and the dawn of His kingdom.

The New Testament connects Messiah's return with the sound of a trumpet and a great shout:

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God..." (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Because Yeshua rose from the dead as Firstfruits, believers have the hope of resurrection.

Many see the Feast of Trumpets as prophetically pointing toward:

• The return of Messiah.

• The resurrection of the dead.

• The gathering of God's people.

• The establishment of God's Kingdom.

• The final defeat of evil.

Zechariah 14:4-6 further describes the coming Day of the Lord and Messiah's reign.

Be Like the Bereans

As we study the biblical feasts and consider their prophetic significance, we should approach Scripture with humility.

The Bereans were commended because they diligently searched the Scriptures to test everything they heard (Acts 17:11).

My desire is simply to share thoughts and encourage deeper study. Let us continue to study God's Word, listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and sharpen one another as we faithfully serve until Messiah returns.

May we be found waiting, working, and watching.

Free Feast of Trumpets Resources for Children

Engaging Fall Feast Day activities for children, featuring educational worksheets, matching games, and a colorful shofar craft.

Looking for ways to help your children celebrate Yom Teruah?

Become a free member of our website and receive access to over 30 downloadable resources designed for children ages 2–6, including Feast of Trumpets activity sheets and other biblical feast resources. This portion of the website is added to regularly, so be sure to stop back and check out what's new.