Teruah - A Loud Cry
Teruah is a trumpet blast, a loud cry or a shout. As we see biblical prophecies unfolding before our eyes and the world’s history quickly drawing to a close, now more than ever it is time to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord and to give a warning message to the world. But how do we go about this? Scripture teaches us how the trumpet blast was to be used…
God gives no instruction in the Bible concerning music until He introduces the silver trumpet to the Hebrew people in the wilderness. The trumpet was to gather people to the tabernacle, to command war and to be blown over sacrifices and during important occasions (Numbers 10:1-10 ?). From that point onward, music becomes a vital component of sanctuary ordinances and festivities. Psalms and Revelation, which are saturated with temple imagery, are filled with numerous references to trumpets, music and shouting.
Surprisingly, however, other than a brief mention of singing by Jesus and the apostles at the last supper (reference), there is virtually no mention of music in the life and ministry of Jesus. Why is this? The answer lies in the fact that the sanctuary and its rituals all pointed to Jesus and were fulfilled in Jesus. The trumpet blast was fulfilled in the life
and ministry of Jesus. When Jesus healed the sick, He was blowing the trumpet. When He warned them of future judgement He was shouting and clanging symbols. When He died on the cross, a shriek was echoed around the world. Likewise, following in the footsteps of their Master, when the apostles spread the gospel across the Roman Empire and beyond, they were, figuratively speaking, blowing the trumpet, shouting and clanging the cymbals.
Though the Bible establishes music as an important form of praise, God values justice and righteousness over musical forms of praise (text). Therefore, upholding godliness and caring for the sick and needy is more important than sentimental expressions of praise, such as through song. Jesus is our example. He healed people, then He shared the gospel with them, warned of coming judgment and called them to righteous living. As with the apostles, we are to walk in Jesus footsteps. Care for our neighbour’s health and temporal needs is the practical gospel. As the world quickly draws to an end, we are to sound a loud cry to a dying and lost world. Jesus is our model to achieve this – including health ministry, sharing of God’s plan of redemption, warning of the coming judgement and calling people to obedience to God.
Symbolism of the Trumpet Blast and Shouting
Calling people to true worship and obedience to God
Warning the world of judgment
Sharing the Good News of salvation
So it shall be in that day:
The great trumpet will be blown;
They will come, who are about to perish in the land of Assyria,
And they who are outcasts in the land of Egypt,
And shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem.
(Isaiah 27:13)
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Harmonising with God in Our Music and Practices
