Leviticus 23:24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

We hold the conviction that the Judge will return, and we believe a trumpet will sound, correlating with Paul’s words (1 Cor. 15:52), heralding the resurrection for those resting in the earth. This remarkable work will undeniably be achieved through the immeasurable power of the Almighty. Thus, the law given to Moses, while outlining the Feast of Tabernacles, instructs, ‘Celebrate the remembrance of the trumpets.’ As human bodies are restored once more, each soul will recognize its own dwelling. The decree of the Sovereign will be announced, and the signal of resurrection, the trumpet of God, will resound in advance, as noted (1 Thess. 4:16).

The third celebration is the Feast of the New Year. In the seventh month, it is proclaimed, "Let there be rest to you, the memory of the trumpets... and on the tenth day of the seventh month... the sabbath of sabbaths... you shall rejoice before the Lord your God" (Lev. 23:24, 27, 32, 40). Through these symbols, God invites His people to experience joy and reflection alongside all living beings.

The ancient scriptures indicate that the festival trumpets signify a glimpse into the superior and celestial celebrations. These festivals mandated by the law serve as a mere representation, inviting us to strive towards the authentic celebration. Should we honor these feasts merely by indulging in food and drink? Let us not be judged for our eating; while the law is of a spiritual nature, I am of the flesh (Rom. 7:14). Do not allow anyone to criticize you for what you eat or drink, or for any festival, new moon, or Sabbath; these elements are foreshadows of what is to come, but the substance resides in Christ (Col. 2:16-17). This truth was unveiled to us, akin to the sound of the last trumpet, by the Father’s voice from the heavens, as the Jews exclaimed, ‘It is thunder’ (John. 12:29).

Having instructed on the observance of Passover and Pentecost, the law outlines the actions to be taken in the seventh month, commanding the celebration of the Feast of Trumpets in the new month. As it is written, ‘The voice of the trumpet sounded greatly’ (Exodus 19:16).

The Israelites adopted a way of counting years that began in September, influenced by idol worshippers in Egypt who lacked knowledge about God, creation, or the first man, Adam. Consequently, the Israelites established two separate calendars: the ecclesiastical year commencing in March and the civil year, similar to the Greeks, starting in September. In recognition of this practice, God graciously chose to align the cycle of years for the rest of the land, as well as the remission of debts and the liberation of captives, to start in September, as stated in the 23rd chapter of the Book of Leviticus. Likewise, Augustus, the Roman emperor and an idol worshipper, initiated his calendar from September. The Kelean Chronicler noted a different method of reckoning from the conclusion of the...