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Psalm 81:3a "Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon..."

Day 200 – Psalm 81

“Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon…” Psalm 81:3a

ISRAEL’S RELIGIOUS CALENDAR

Asaph, being a Levite, was very involved in encouraging the children of Israel to offer meaningful worship to God. The following text focuses on the celebration of the New Moon.

“Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon,
At the full moon, on our solemn feast day.”
Psalm 81:3

1. The feast of the New Moon

a) This was mentioned in Numbers 28:11-15.

b) Ancient Israel used the Lunar Calendar to mark the year.

2. “Blow the trumpet”

Two things are associated with the blowing of the trumpets:-

a) To signal the commencement of worship.

b) To signify the sacredness of the worship offered to God.

c) The trumpet was essentially the shofar.

i) It is not like the modern day trumpet.

ii) It was not used as a musical accompaniment.

iii) It was loud but tuneless.

3. “On our solemn feast day”

a) There was, of course, a celebratory aspect (Psalm 81:1-2).

b) But there were special offerings to be made as well:-

i) A burnt offering Numbers 28:11

ii) A grain offering Numbers 28:12

iii) A drink offering Numbers 28:14

iv) A sin offering Numbers 28:15

c) The New Moon worship services were meant to teach Israel how to relate to God even in so-called mundane things of life.