Purpose of the Trumpet Blowing/2

Purpose of the Trumpet Blowing

Exegetical Approaches

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Assembly

The trumpets served a purely practical function, signalling the nation to gather for various purposes.

Honoring Hashem's Presence

The trumpets served to announce the presence of Hashem.  Just as trumpet calls herald the arrival of a human king, they honor and mark the appearance of Hashem, King of Kings, as well.

Prayer

The blowing of trumpets functioned like prayer. As the nation went to war, the trumpets accompanied their cries for salvation, and when they returned home they their offerings of thanksgiving.

Changing Purpose

The trumpets' role changed over time. While they served a purely practical purpose in the wilderness, in future generations they took on a ceremonial role