Don't you just love to hear trumpets blow? It's exciting - makes you feel like something is about to happen - whether it is the Trumpet Voluntary played before the wedding march, the signal of a race at Churchill Downs, or even taps at a military funeral. You listen.
The Ram's horn, called a shofar, was the trumpet used to announce the Day of Atonement and the beginning of the Year of Jubilee. And what was this "Year of Jubilee?" Every seventh year was set aside as a "Sabbath to the Lord," and nothing would be planted on the land. Then, after seven such cycles (7X7), the 50th year would be the Jubilee when slaves were set free, debts were forgiven, property returned to the original owners, and the land was given rest - everything was "reset."
Can you imagine the excitement in the camp the night before the trumpet was sounded - the anticipation, the joy?? Israel had been slaves in Egypt, and Yahweh had set them free. I would imagine that they had not forgotten that feeling. Now, no one could remain a slave forever, and like on the seventh day of Creation - the land was given a Sabbath as well. A fresh start for everyone, a new beginning - we all need that. And God would provide for his people.
The Year of Jubilee is our picture of Christ. Sent to "preach good news to the poor, set the captives free, recover sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19).
He is our Jubilee. He is our Sabbath. He is the One who gives us rest, sets us free, forgives our debts. Let the trumpet sound! (Dee Bristin)
And in the words of Michael Card, singer and songwriter:
The Lord provided for a time
For the slaves to be set free
For the debts to all be canceled
So His chosen ones could see
His deep desire was for forgiveness
He longed to see their liberty
And His yearning was embodied
In the Year of Jubilee
Jubilee, Jubilee
Jesus is our Jubilee
Debts forgiven
Slaves set free
Jesus is our Jubilee
Excellent post Barbara! I certainly know what a trumpet sounds like- my older brother has his masters in trumpet performance from UGA. I grew up listening to him practice, going to recitals and it was wonderful to have him playing "Trumpet Voluntary" when my Dad walked me down the aisle at my wedding. They certainly give the sense that something important is about to happen.
ReplyDeleteMy study bible stated that "the Bible gives no indication that the year of Jubilee was ever carried out. If Israel had followed the practice faithfully, they would have been a society without permanent poverty."
It's sad that they never got to experience that joyful occasion. What do we miss out on because we are too greedy to be obedient?
Barbara - you have such a gift for making a wonderful, concise, poignant summary!!! Even though I am not a fan of horse racing (too much abuse), I always enjoy hearing the trumpet sound before each race. It just creates a sense of urgency and excitement! Francine Rivers also wrote a book called "And the Shofar Blew". I have not read this book yet, but I am sure it is excellent. Thank you for sharing the words to that song! That is beautiful! How amazing it is that Christ is our Jubilee! Along the lines of Natalie's comment, it makes me so VERY, VERY sad to see people refuse this amazing gift of Christ's love!! I know I have missed out on PLENTY because of MY disobedience!
ReplyDelete"And the Shofar Blew" by Francine Rivers. I would recommend it to be read by whoever has not read it. It is more modern than you may think by the title. I am enjoying so much reading the post as well as the comments given. It gives me so much more insight into the chapters that we are reading. Thank you all for doing this.
ReplyDeleteAs I reflect on the distinct sound of a trumpet I think about the heart-felt respect and anticipation through the rhythmic flow of the notes a trumpet player produces. The trumpet is calming and exciting all at the same time. I felt God was saying everything would be fine. He is in control. Now if we could put that to practice in our lives. Lord, thank you for reminding me that YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING!!!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOY BARBARA FOR YOUR THOUGHTS AND HELPING US THINK ABOUT THINGS. I ALSO THOUGHT ABOUT RUTH AS WE TALKED ABOUT BEING REDEEMED. BOAZ HAD TO GO THROUGH THESE STEPS TO MARRY RUTH. IT JUST BLOWS MY MIND AT HOW GOD PLANNED EVERYTHING TO GO BACK TO HIM. WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO THE YEAR OF JUBILEE. THANK YOU LORD FOR THINKING OF EVERYTHING.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post Barbara! As I was reading this, it seems the weight of all the laws in the past chapters is lifted. It's so refreshing! And yes, I can imagine the excitement that would have been building in the 49th year.
ReplyDeleteMichael Card is a name I have not heard in a while. I Googled that song and now recall that I actually have the "Joy of the Journey" CD with "Jubilee". Now, that song has soooo much more meaning to me. What a wonderful picture of Jesus!
Who knew Michael Card found also found this wonderful message in Leviticus! :)
In case anyone is interested, here is the song on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I15coFa1ug0