THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Sound the trumpet and let everything be made ready. The Septuagint states that the trumpet must ring out and all things be judged. Many passages reference the blowing of trumpets, such as "As thou shalt lift up thy voice with a trumpet" (Isaiah 58:1) and "As thou shalt sound the trumpet in the new month, on the blessed day of our feast" (Psalm 80:3). The Apostle echoes this, declaring that "the Lord Himself shall sound the trumpet of the archangel" (1 Thess. 4:16). The Gospel also advises against sounding a trumpet before oneself (Matt. 6). Furthermore, the Scriptures in the Book of Numbers mention the silver trumpets (Num. 10:2), which symbolize prophetic messages and apostolic teaching. It is therefore commanded that all should be ready for battle at the trumpet's call.
Read more (209 words)
When the Seventy mention "And judge all," they refer to the authority bestowed upon the apostles who, following the angelic trumpet call, will judge the twelve tribes of Israel from twelve thrones. Paul asserts, "Angels shall judge" (1 Cor. 6:3), and elsewhere states, "By you the world shall receive judgment" (1 Cor. 6:2).
Reflecting on the irony of the command for those who are tasked with blowing the trumpet to prepare for battle against the Babylonian forces, it becomes evident that there is a lack of willing participants for war, as the divine wrath looms over them. Unlike the Seventy, who understood the command of God (Num. 10) to sound the trumpet in order to ready an army against the Babylonians, it was futile without any among the people ready to engage. The people find themselves weakened, devoid of strength for battle, and under the wrath of God, signifying the cities of Jerusalem and the land of Judah.
Even today, in our own land and amidst our own Jerusalem, when societal persecution and the rise of various evils threaten to overwhelm us, the efforts of our leaders to call us to prepare for spiritual battle seem in vain, as our present transgressions have drawn forth the disfavor of God.