As we continue in our study of the Law of Elohim, specifically targeting the annual Sabbaths, we find that the yearly holy day to follow Pentecost is the Day of Trumpets. The first of the autumn festivals, the Feast of Trumpets, fell on the new moon (the first day of a Biblical month is always a new moon) of the seventh month, which occurs during October on the modern calendar.

A very interesting term appears in Leviticus chapter twenty-three in reference to the Sabbaths. These holy days are proclaimed to be "holy convocations." The fact that they are all "holy convocations" is made clear at the beginning of this chapter:

There is a great deal of meaning in the word "convocations." In the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, we find that the original Hebrew word, from which "convocations" is translated, is miqra (mik-raw) (#4744). Miqra means: "a public meeting, an assembly, and a rehearsal." Hence, we find that the holy days are not just times to come apart from our daily labor, meeting together with like-minded brethren. These Sabbaths are also given as rehearsals!

In the verb form, to rehearse something is to "repeat the words of another, or of a written work" (Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary). However, in the noun form, a rehearsal is a practice session prior to the actual event. Used in a sentence, it might appear this way: "We will hold five rehearsals of the play prior to the performance."

A rehearsal (in the noun form) without a performance has no purpose. Its whole function is to prepare the participants for a coming event. So it is with the Sabbaths. They, according to Leviticus twenty-three, are rehearsals. As such, the holy days must point to and prepare us for a final event. By keeping the holy days, the participants are prepared for the final event, which the rehearsal foreshadowed.

Before we probe into the significance of the rehearsal of the Day of Trumpets, let us re-examine each of the previously discussed holy days in this context. Is the Seventh-day Sabbath a rehearsal of something? According to Leviticus twenty-three verse two, the weekly Sabbath certainly is a rehearsal. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the Seventh-day Sabbath is listed among the other holy convocations –rehearsals. What then, does the Seventh-day Sabbath rehearse?

During the hours of the Sabbath, we symbolically unplug from our daily worldly concerns. The Sabbath-keeping home effectively says, "We don’t need the world’s money or worries. Our communion with Elohim is sufficient to sustain us." For this twenty-four hour period, the worship of Elohim is our all-encompassing focus. All worldly concerns disappear. This mind-set is a rehearsal of what our experience will be in the kingdom of Elohim.

Just as we are to be completely focused upon the Eternal world during the hours of the Sabbath, so in eternity we will not waste a single brain cell remembering this old sin-sick world.

The rehearsals are so true to form that they not only teach what to expect; they also point to the time of each fulfillment. Passover was, in part, the rehearsal of Christ’s death (It is also, as has already been presented, a rehearsal preparing us for the marriage supper of the Lamb). Not only does it teach the participants the meaning of salvation, it also points back to the day upon which Christ actually died. In the year 4029 (or 31 C.E.), our Saviour, the perfect and sinless Lamb, actually died on the day of Passover.

Thus, on the very day pointed to by the rehearsal, the fulfillment of the promise, which Abraham taught to Isaac, was complete. "…Elohim will provide HIMSELF a lamb" (Genesis 22:7).

This pattern following the day of the rehearsal to its exact day of fulfillment is continued throughout the spring feasts. Pentecost is no exception. While we are still waiting for the final fulfillment of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Latter Rain, the Early Rain experience, which fell upon the disciples, has already come once before. When did the tongues of fire sit upon the heads of the praying disciples to anoint them with heaven’s power? It didn’t occur on just any day at any random prayer meeting, rather it happened on the actual day of Pentecost.

For those of us who are looking forward to the exciting events to which these rehearsals ultimately point, the timing of the annual Sabbaths is as important as their messages.

For what, then, is the Day of Trumpets a rehearsal? To answer this question, we must examine every stage of the rehearsal. Trumpets were sounded throughout this special festival. From the blowing of trumpets, the day was given its name. It is significant to note that ancient Israel was called to assembly by the clear tones of two silver trumpets.

These trumpets were made of silver to ensure a clarion call that was distinctive and crystal clear. In this way the people were called together to worship.

With great spiritual significance, these two trumpets represented Elohim’s mingling of justice with mercy. Had there been one trumpet blasting alone, the rehearsal might have given either a false sense of security through conceptualizing mercy without judgment; or it might have suggested a hopeless view of Elohim’s judgment without mercy. In the clarion duet, however, a pure and perfect truth comes forth: judgment and justice, walk hand in hand with mercy and truth.

But, while our heavenly Father is abundantly merciful and abounding in forgiveness, His gift of grace will come to an end. As He has warned us in the Torah, "My Spirit shall not always strive with man…" (Genesis 6:3). The mingling of justice and mercy ends on the Day of Atonement for, as will be later be presented, this marks the end of grace extended to the world.

Ten days prior to the Day of Atonement, the Day of Trumpets began the interim period known as the Days of Awe. These ten days are rehearsals, which point to the days of Elohim’s trumpeted judgments. During the Day of Trumpets, the children of Israel were to search their hearts and make preparation for the imminent coming of the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day of the year. Thus, these Days of Awe were a time of solemn soul-searching in preparation for the final Judgment and Atonement.

Elohim’s use of numbers is always significant. Therefore, it is interesting to note the number of the Days of Awe. There are exactly ten days between Trumpets and Atonement. Given the connection between the Law and the light of fourth angel, it may be that each of the Ten Commandments will receive a special highlight during each of these ten days.

Certainly, Elohim’s Law is a vital part of our spiritual inspection. Frequent soul-searching is necessary to Christian growth. As Paul exhorted, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). Accordingly, during this time, the prayer of Elohim’s people is to be the same as David’s plea in Psalm chapter one hundred and thirty-nine.

While each annual rehearsal of the Day of Trumpets should include soul-searching, one may yet wonder about the purpose being rehearsed through keeping this annual holy day. What great event are we being prepared for by keeping the Feast of Trumpets?

John, in the book of Revelation, was inspired to prophesy that there would be terrible plagues to fall with the sounding of seven spiritual trumpets.

The idea, that these trumpet-associated disasters or plagues follow Pentecost, is supported by the message of the fourth angel. This message that will be proclaimed with greater power upon the final fulfillment of Pentecost is: "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Revelation 18:4). The Fourth Angel’s Message is contemporary with the outpouring of plagues!

Those who reject this solemn call will taste of heaven’s judgments. These trumpeted judgments are the last call to mankind to turn from their sins and embrace salvation. When the first trumpet and its corresponding disasters begin to fall, every prior rehearsal of the Day of Trumpets will have reached its prophetic performance.

During the sounding of the first trumpet, mankind will be afflicted with "grievous sores." Hail, fire, and blood will rain upon the earth, consuming one-third of all vegetation. (See Revelation 16:1-2 and Revelation 8:7.)

The plagues are the judgments of Elohim against those who have rejected His truth. On the other hand, the Bible teaches that the group of righteous people, known as the 144,000, will be "sealed" before these plagues fall.

Many wonder how they can reconcile the image of our loving Elohim with the just retributions meted out during the seven trumpets. Because Elohim is so consistently merciful and long-suffering, the devastation His power will bring to earth and lost mankind is called His "strange act."

This tremendous death and devastation may appear to disprove the presence of heavenly mercy. In actuality, however, the fact that Elohim will go to any length to save even the most stubborn members of mankind exemplifies the Father’s tremendous love. Through their fear of this terrifying global pestilence, some who could be reached in no other way will be brought to repentance during this terrible time. Thus, through these horrific judgments, lives are spared from the impending final conflagration. "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire…" (Jude 1:23). These late converts are enabled to enjoy the riches of eternity through Elohim’s patience in pounding His message into their hardened hearts. Now, everyone who could be sealed for eternal glory will have been sealed.

Upon receipt of the heavenly seal, we are spiritually marked as forever His own. Those who are sealed, belong to Elohim and are protected during the outpouring of the plagues. (See Revelation 9:4.)

Those who do not receive the seal of Elohim will taste of His righteous wrath in the terrible plagues to come. In the final fulfillment of the Day of Trumpets, Elohim’s judgments will be poured out in full measure upon those who will choose wickedness. Still, amidst the terrible devastation, remains the opportunity for repentance. The spiritual message of the two silver trumpets, from the annual rehearsal, is one of grace as well as righteous wrath.

When the second trumpet sounds, the next judgment falls. Having rained hail, fire, and blood, the oceans are now turned to blood. In this devastation, the aquatic creatures are cast upon the beaches in great rotting heaps. (See Revelation 16:3 and Rev. 8:8-9.)

The sounding of the third trumpet brings a curse upon the fresh water systems of the earth. All the rivers and drinkable water sources are turned into a vile cesspool of blood. (See Revelation 16:4-7 and Rev. 8:10-11.) Now, those who have sided with the evil woman of Revelation chapter seventeen and her beastly mount will really receive blood to drink. This the wicked have brought on themselves because they have been "drunk" with the "blood" of the "saints" and defiant against Elohim’s holy Law.

While they will be protected from the judgments of the trumpets, Elohim will permit some of His people to die, as martyrs, during the proclamation of the Fourth Angel’s Message. For in so doing, some will be brought to the truth by having witnessed the powerful testimony of the righteous as they "resist unto blood." (See Hebrews 12:4.) But, even while permitting their lives to be taken for the purpose intensifying onlookers’ conviction, Elohim is angered that His beloved ones have been harmed. He notes their faithfulness; He marks their witness; and, He claims them as His children. Just as earthly parents would burn with righteous indignation at any harm brought to their child, so YHWH is angered by the wicked slaughter of the people who are so precious to Him.

While Elohim desires that His people accept sleights and injuries with the same meekness that Christ took abuse, He will not be so gentle in dealing with their abusers. Those who have dared to touch Elohim’s children have effectively placed themselves in His line of wrath.

Because wicked men have slain many of those who preached the truth of the Law, Elohim will rain blood upon their heads and give them blood to drink.

The next trumpet pierces the air. Its clarion call shatters the heavens affecting the sun, moon and stars. Now the warmth of the sun becomes unbearable and men are scorched. The moon turns blood red, and the stars fall in terrifying and devastating showers. (See Joel 2:31, Revelation 16:8-9 and Rev. 8:12.)

Four terrible trumpets have sounded, and three have yet to sound. The heavens and the earth are already shaken to their foundation. Death is everywhere, yet the judgments are not finished. So terrible is the experience of Elohim’s justice, that an angel pauses, after the fourth trumpet, to pronounce: "…Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" (Revelation 8:13).

In the fifth trumpet’s blast, some chopper-like locusts are unleashed upon the trembling planet. Terrible torment and pain arrive swiftly on their wings. So great will be the resulting misery, that the Bible says men will seek death, but will be unable to find its relief. During this time, the Beast, whom many have come to worship, is left in utter darkness. (See Revelation 16:10-11 and Rev. 9:1-11.)

When the sixth angel sounds his trumpet, the remaining stricken and plagued wicked rise up. Under the leadership of the combined false religious world, they gather together arrayed for the last great battle: Armageddon. Yet their combined power is brought low. A mere force of four angels slays one-third of them, leaving their remaining ranks in complete disarray. (See Revelation 16:12-16 and Rev. 9:12-21.)

As these plagues fall, the trampled Law of Elohim is plainly exonerated. No longer will any be heard teaching that it was annulled. With terrible clarity, all, who have so lightly rejected it, will see their great error. The prophecy of Isaiah will finally be fulfilled. The entire earth, willing or not, will be brought to "fear the name of YHWH."

As has already been explained, the glory of YHWH is manifested in the transcript of His holy Law. Thus, we see a prophecy that one day every heart will be forced to acknowledge the truth and the true Elohim. Sadly, however, this does not mean that every heart will be brought to repentance. In spite of the glorious piercing message of the fourth angel, which at the time of the plagues has nearly reached its greatest intensity, mankind will largely choose their love of sin over their desire for salvation.

In this Revelation text is given a tremendous clue to what role mercy plays in Elohim’s terrible, trumpeted judgments. The fact that mankind "repented not," implies that they could have chosen to repent. If they could repent, we know that the opportunity for heavenly grace is still being extended, through the sixth trumpeted judgment. Elohim is not just punishing, He is preaching! The last message is the same as the one the prophets gave of old, "Repent of your sins, return to the ways of Elohim and live." This subject will reappear in greater detail in later chapters.

Perhaps at this point, one may wonder how any of the plagues, after having for so long been toted as devoid of mercy, could be coupled with a chance for repentance. Doesn’t the Bible teach that the plagues are poured out without any mercy at all? Yes, it does teach that the seven last plagues are poured out without any mercy.

How then can the teaching that mercy exists during the trumpet-plagues be reconciled with the equally Biblical doctrine that Elohim’s wrath spews forth unmixed at the end of time? The answer is simply that there is a difference between the plagues, which fall during the Day of Trumpets, and the seven last plagues. The final plagues are called the seven LAST plagues for a reason. (See Revelation 15:1 and Rev. 21:9.) Their very name implies that there must be plagues to precede them.

The idea that there will be plagues prior to the seven last plagues is a Biblical teaching. We may see a distinction between the trumpet-plagues and the seven last plagues through a very compelling text found in Leviticus chapter twenty-six.

There is a great deal of information in the above passage. In order to get the full impact of its message, we must examine each portion more closely. First, Elohim is warning about rejecting the message of the fourth angel. This angelic message, as we have already studied, calls mankind to keep the commandments and statutes of Elohim. Thus, Leviticus twenty-six is in perfect harmony with the teaching that the rejection of the Fourth Angel’s Message will result in receiving the plagues. (See Revelation 18:1-6.)

What does Leviticus twenty-six state will be the result of rejecting the light of the fourth angel? First, Elohim says that He "will even appoint…terror" over those who reject His Law. This gives a direct connection to the trumpet-plagues of Revelation eight through ten. In the blast of the fourth trumpet, there will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. (See Revelation 16:8-9 and Rev. 8:12-13.) What do these heavenly manifestations have to do with the "terror" of Leviticus twenty-six? We find a clear connection in the twenty-first chapter of Luke.

The bonds between Leviticus twenty-six and the plagues of the seven trumpets are reinforced with the next judgment from Leviticus. Those who reject the Law of Elohim will be plagued with diseases and sores, or "consumption and the burning ague." The sores, which will cause sinners great physical suffering, are poured out in the first trumpet blast. (See Revelation 16:1-2 and Rev. 8:7.)

Yet, the Bible makes it clear that the wicked could repent even during the suffering they endure from the terrible sores. Sadly, the greater majority of people love their sin so much that they will refuse to repent of it, even in the face of death itself.

Returning to Leviticus chapter twenty-six, we find that many of those who spurn the light of the fourth angel will face a plague, which will "consume the eyes."

This terrible reference in Zechariah is linked to the blasting of the fifth trumpet found in Revelation chapter nine. Here is depicted a pestilence which is reminiscent of a nuclear holocaust, and the ensuing radiation exposure. The reference to trees and grass remaining unharmed, while the people suffer so terribly that they desire death, is a stark portrayal of what happens in radiation sickness. Whether or not radiation is the means Elohim will use to "consume" men’s eyes, the very vivid images painted in Zechariah chapter fourteen and in Leviticus chapter twenty-six are at least rendered one plausible cause, that of a nuclear holocaust.

Having discussed the judgment of the first six trumpets and having suggested the message of mercy they contain, we are now ready to examine the final trumpet. Furthermore, we will fully examine the message to be preached amid these terrible punishments. All this is coming in the following chapter.

• The Sabbaths, of Leviticus chapter twenty-three, are rehearsals pointing to a final event.
• Passover pointed to the death of Christ, Pentecost pointed to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the Days of Trumpets point to the time when the judgments of the seven Trumpets (Revelation 8-10) will be poured out on those who reject Elohim’s Law.
• The judgments of the seven trumpets include mercy, for the wicked may still repent during these plagues.
• The seven last plagues follow the seven trumpets. These plagues are judgments without mercy; for, when they fall, the potential for redemption has ended.