Understanding the Shofar:
HOW, WHAT, WHY, WHO, WHERE. and WHEN to Blow the Trumpet (Horn or Shofar)
The word Sho'far is Hebrew and in our modern bibles it is mostly called a trumpet.
The Ram’s Horn Shofar is one of the earliest musical instruments known to man. It is used to usher in the biblical festivals of Israel, including the Sabbath, and to inspire people to mend their lives and repent. It was developed by the early Hebrews and is made from the horn of an animal usually a ram, but many times a goat, sheep, or in modern times a Kudu, from the antelope family.
The Kudu was first used by a tribe of Jews called Yemenites so that is it nickname. The Silver Trumpet or Temple Trumpet is one first used in Numbers 10:10 to call the congregation together and to direct the movement in the camps.
yet another shofar is called a Gemsbok from a Gazelle.
The Ram’s Horn Shofar is one of the earliest musical instruments known to man. It is used to usher in the biblical festivals of Israel, including the Sabbath, and to inspire people to mend their lives and repent. It was developed by the early Hebrews and is made from the horn of an animal usually a ram, but many times a goat, sheep, or in modern times a Kudu, from the antelope family.
The Kudu was first used by a tribe of Jews called Yemenites so that is it nickname. The Silver Trumpet or Temple Trumpet is one first used in Numbers 10:10 to call the congregation together and to direct the movement in the camps.
yet another shofar is called a Gemsbok from a Gazelle.
In general there are many sounds made on the shofar.
The sounds can vary and some psalmist play several notes to music, hymns and other songs. Also with much practice some shofarim play two horns at once.
In the Jewish tradition there are
4 different types of sounds made on the Shofar.
Press play button below to listen to all four sounds.
What these different sounds mean:
TI'KI'YAH - a long blast with one or two notes. Praise/Worship
SH’VA'RIM - 3 medium blasts, two tones each. Repent /Broken
TE'RU'WAH - 9 short, staccato blasts. Warfare /VictoryTIKIYAH GEDOLAH : an extra long single blast.It is the jubilee note extended as long as one can …
and represents the great last trumpet sound when the Lord
returns as King when we who are saved receive new bodies
and we are all healed. Also used to call upon God.
A thanks for his Mercy /Goodness/Redemption.
SH’VA'RIM - 3 medium blasts, two tones each. Repent /Broken
TE'RU'WAH - 9 short, staccato blasts. Warfare /VictoryTIKIYAH GEDOLAH : an extra long single blast.It is the jubilee note extended as long as one can …
and represents the great last trumpet sound when the Lord
returns as King when we who are saved receive new bodies
and we are all healed. Also used to call upon God.
A thanks for his Mercy /Goodness/Redemption.
SHOFAR CALL INTERNATIONAL Team of 77, led by Dennis McKirahan
is who you hear below. There where all scattered around the arena.
In these last days there is a growing interest worldwide in the use and soundsof the Shofar. The word trumpet(s) is mentioned over 70 times in the bible.Below is 9 min. video on some history of the blowing of the shofar...
Why Blow the Shofar ?
1.Call to Worship- Hebrew>Ti'ki'yah
2. Repentance & Brokeness- Sh’va'rim
3. Warfare & Celebration - Te'ru'wah
4. Healing - the rapture - Tikiyah Gedolah
PSALM 150:3…”Praise him with the “BLAST” of the “SHOFAR”. The Shofar was the first musical instrument mentioned in this psalm of David. The Shofar is always associated with a powerful move of God.(WORSHIP)
ISAIAH 58:1; Hosea 8:1; Joel 2:1… Repentance - a broken, moaning, and crying sound, signifying that we are broken before the Lord.(REPENTANCE)
GIDEON…brought such complete confusion to the camp of the enemy (the Midianites) with the sounding of 300 SHOFARS that they began to kill one another in their retreat from 300 of Gideon’s men armed with only a Shofar, a torch and a clay pitcher. (WARFARE)
JOSHUA…with the shout and the blowing of the Shofars caused the 25- foot thick, heavily fortified walls of the ancient city of Jericho to crumble and fall to the ground like dust. (WARFARE)
The Shofar is a voice as of God. Exodus 19:19, Rev. 1:10; 4:1
In the tradition of early Judaism: when a bridegroom went to claim his bride, the attendants would announce the coming of the bridegroom with the blowing of the Shofar and a proclamation, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh”. This happens again at the return of Christ, Our Bridegroom. (The Ultimate Healing) BABYLONIAN TALMUD (Tractate Rosh Ha-Shana, 16b)…Rabbi Isaac says “If the Shofar is not sounded at the beginning of the New Year, evil will befall at the end of it. Why so? Because the “Accuser” (Satan) has not been confused…”
ISAIAH 58:1; Hosea 8:1; Joel 2:1… Repentance - a broken, moaning, and crying sound, signifying that we are broken before the Lord.(REPENTANCE)
GIDEON…brought such complete confusion to the camp of the enemy (the Midianites) with the sounding of 300 SHOFARS that they began to kill one another in their retreat from 300 of Gideon’s men armed with only a Shofar, a torch and a clay pitcher. (WARFARE)
JOSHUA…with the shout and the blowing of the Shofars caused the 25- foot thick, heavily fortified walls of the ancient city of Jericho to crumble and fall to the ground like dust. (WARFARE)
The Shofar is a voice as of God. Exodus 19:19, Rev. 1:10; 4:1
In the tradition of early Judaism: when a bridegroom went to claim his bride, the attendants would announce the coming of the bridegroom with the blowing of the Shofar and a proclamation, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh”. This happens again at the return of Christ, Our Bridegroom. (The Ultimate Healing) BABYLONIAN TALMUD (Tractate Rosh Ha-Shana, 16b)…Rabbi Isaac says “If the Shofar is not sounded at the beginning of the New Year, evil will befall at the end of it. Why so? Because the “Accuser” (Satan) has not been confused…”
Who blows the shofar?
Does God?…Exodus 19:16-19
Do Angels?…Matthew 24:31
Do Priests?…Numbers 10:8 “
Who are Priests now?…We are. 1 Peter 2:9
What effect does the blowing of The Shofar
have on the enemy?…Judges 7:20-22
Does Jesus?…1 Thessalonians 4:16
The Priests shall blow the trumpets for an ordinance forever”
Do Angels?…Matthew 24:31
Do Priests?…Numbers 10:8 “
Who are Priests now?…We are. 1 Peter 2:9
What effect does the blowing of The Shofar
have on the enemy?…Judges 7:20-22
Does Jesus?…1 Thessalonians 4:16
The Priests shall blow the trumpets for an ordinance forever”
When do you blow the shofar?
The Shofar in the Bible - Use of it:
The references to shofars,(Hebrew for trumpets, rams’ horns, coronets, etc. are extensive and prominent throughout the Bible and God’s dealings with His people. There are over 70 verse in the Bible.
The list below is by no means complete…
1) The ram's horn, the shofar, is a reminder of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac and God's provision of a ram as a substitute. Genesis 22:13
2) The LAW (Torah) was given to Israel with the sound of the shofar from heaven. Exodus 19:19
3) The shofar was blown at the start of the year of Jubilee on Yom Teruah. Leviticus 25:9-10
4) The trumpet was blown to announce the beginning of the festival. Numbers 10:10
5) Israel conquered in the battle of Jericho with the blast of the shofar. Joshua 6:20
6) Gideon and his army confused and scattered the enemy with the shofar. Joshua 7:15-22
7) The shofar was blown to signal the assembly of the Israelites during war. Judges 3:27, 6:34,
II Samuel 20:1, Jer. 4:19, 51:27, Neh. 4:20, Amos 3:6
8) Seven shofars were blown before the ark of God. 1Chr. 15:24, 2Sam. 6:15
9) They took an oath before the Lord…..with trumpets and rams’ horns.
2 Chr. 5:14
10) The shofar was used for the coronation of kings. I.e. King Solomon.
I Kings 1:34, 39
11) The shofar is a reminder that God is sovereign. Psalm 47:5
12) The shofar was blown to celebrate the new moon each month. Psalm 81:1-3
13) The shofar was used to accompany other musical instruments during temple ceremonies in Jerusalem and in praise and worship. Psalm 98:6, 150:3-6
14) The shofar will be blown at the time of the ingathering of the exiles to Israel. Isaiah 27: 13
15) The blowing of the shofar is a signal for the call to repentance. Isaiah 58:1, Hosea 8:1
16) Blown as a warning. Ezekiel 33:3-6, Numbers 10:9, Isaiah 18:3
17) The blowing of the shofar ushers in the day of the Lord. Joel 2:1
18) The shofar is blown to call the sacred assembly. Numbers 10:3, Joel2:15
19) Israel will be advised of the advent of the Messiah with the sound of the shofar. Zechariah 9:14, 16
20) The shofar is sounded at the resurrection of the dead. I Thess. 4:16
21) The shofar (trumpet) is the sound of YHVH’s voice. Rev 1:10
22) John was taken up to Heaven in the Book of Revelation by the sound of the shofar. Revelation 4:1
23) Seven trumpets (shofars) are sounded when God judges the earth during the tribulation. Revelation 8:9 Judaism concerns itself with the "three trumps". They are called the first trump, the last trump and the great trump.
The first trump was blown at Mount Sinai. The last trump is blown to signify the resurrection of the dead and may be blown on Rosh HaShanah. The great trump will signify the Second Coming of Yeshua and is blown at Yom Kippur.
According to other scholars, there are only two trumps, the first at Mount Sinai (Ex 19:19) and the last (great) that is blown by YHVH (Yeshua) Himself at His return on Yom Kippur. (Isaiah 27:13, Zech. 9:14,
Matt. 24:29-3I, 1st Thess. 4:16-17, 1st Cor. 15:52).
Comments
BELOW IS PDF FILE - Click on it for details on types of Shofars
The references to shofars,(Hebrew for trumpets, rams’ horns, coronets, etc. are extensive and prominent throughout the Bible and God’s dealings with His people. There are over 70 verse in the Bible.
The list below is by no means complete…
1) The ram's horn, the shofar, is a reminder of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac and God's provision of a ram as a substitute. Genesis 22:13
2) The LAW (Torah) was given to Israel with the sound of the shofar from heaven. Exodus 19:19
3) The shofar was blown at the start of the year of Jubilee on Yom Teruah. Leviticus 25:9-10
4) The trumpet was blown to announce the beginning of the festival. Numbers 10:10
5) Israel conquered in the battle of Jericho with the blast of the shofar. Joshua 6:20
6) Gideon and his army confused and scattered the enemy with the shofar. Joshua 7:15-22
7) The shofar was blown to signal the assembly of the Israelites during war. Judges 3:27, 6:34,
II Samuel 20:1, Jer. 4:19, 51:27, Neh. 4:20, Amos 3:6
8) Seven shofars were blown before the ark of God. 1Chr. 15:24, 2Sam. 6:15
9) They took an oath before the Lord…..with trumpets and rams’ horns.
2 Chr. 5:14
10) The shofar was used for the coronation of kings. I.e. King Solomon.
I Kings 1:34, 39
11) The shofar is a reminder that God is sovereign. Psalm 47:5
12) The shofar was blown to celebrate the new moon each month. Psalm 81:1-3
13) The shofar was used to accompany other musical instruments during temple ceremonies in Jerusalem and in praise and worship. Psalm 98:6, 150:3-6
14) The shofar will be blown at the time of the ingathering of the exiles to Israel. Isaiah 27: 13
15) The blowing of the shofar is a signal for the call to repentance. Isaiah 58:1, Hosea 8:1
16) Blown as a warning. Ezekiel 33:3-6, Numbers 10:9, Isaiah 18:3
17) The blowing of the shofar ushers in the day of the Lord. Joel 2:1
18) The shofar is blown to call the sacred assembly. Numbers 10:3, Joel2:15
19) Israel will be advised of the advent of the Messiah with the sound of the shofar. Zechariah 9:14, 16
20) The shofar is sounded at the resurrection of the dead. I Thess. 4:16
21) The shofar (trumpet) is the sound of YHVH’s voice. Rev 1:10
22) John was taken up to Heaven in the Book of Revelation by the sound of the shofar. Revelation 4:1
23) Seven trumpets (shofars) are sounded when God judges the earth during the tribulation. Revelation 8:9 Judaism concerns itself with the "three trumps". They are called the first trump, the last trump and the great trump.
The first trump was blown at Mount Sinai. The last trump is blown to signify the resurrection of the dead and may be blown on Rosh HaShanah. The great trump will signify the Second Coming of Yeshua and is blown at Yom Kippur.
According to other scholars, there are only two trumps, the first at Mount Sinai (Ex 19:19) and the last (great) that is blown by YHVH (Yeshua) Himself at His return on Yom Kippur. (Isaiah 27:13, Zech. 9:14,
Matt. 24:29-3I, 1st Thess. 4:16-17, 1st Cor. 15:52).
Comments
BELOW IS PDF FILE - Click on it for details on types of Shofars
| shofar_types_and_names.pdf |
CLEANING A SHOFAR - 5 different ways
The reason that most shofars smell bad is that when they are clean at the factory they cannot remove all residues from the inside. This residue is sinew and flesh that is clinging in crevices and the smell is it decaying.
A. The simplest method is to brush out whatever residue can be seen (and smelled!) in the shofar. Pour enough hydrogen peroxide to fill half the horn with the mouthpiece plugged. Swirl it back and forth until the residue is bubbled out (like disinfecting a wound). Pour out the liquid and repeat. Eventually no more residues will come out. Now, swab out the horn with a rag tied to a piece of wire, like coat hanger.
B. Another method of cleaning was demonstrated on a video by Dick Reuben.
Step 1. Buy a “nerf” ball (soft and pliable), an ear plug (the squeeze and insert type available at most drug stores), some fish tank gravel (not sand and not very big) and some alcohol.
Step 2. Plug the mouthpiece with the earplug. Pour in enough gravel that it can be shaken easily. Plug the bell end with the nerf ball.
Step 3. Shake it hard! for about 15 minutes.
Step 4. Pull out the nerf ball and empty out the gravel. Pour about a cup of alcohol in and replace the ball. Shake for about a minute.
Step 5. Pull out the ball. Pour out the alcohol. Remove the earplug. Let it dry.
The alcohol should dry quickly. It should eliminate the smell and disinfect the horn. DO NOT let any liquid stay in too long. If necessary use a mild bleach solution but realize it will take a few days for the chlorine smell to dissipate. You could also use witch hazel with spearmint but use it sparingly. Stubborn smells can also be eliminated with odor neutralizers.
When the horn is clean, anoint the bell end with some anointing oil that has frankincense and myrrh. Put some up the mouthpiece channel with a trumpet valve brush (purchased at a music store). It will be the soft bones of the neck part of the horn that will begin to stink again as you blow moisture back into it as you sound the horn. The myrrh will seal the bone and stop the odor. Remember, myrrh is what they anointed dead bodies with! It doesn’t hurt to ask YHVH to bless the horn and your efforts to glorify Him at the same time.
C. A great method that has worked well is to use "Oxi-clean" or a similar product
Fill the horn half full of hot, but not boiling water. (Use some boiling water and create a volcano!) Put in the scoop of product and then shake the horn with both ends plugged or capped (corks or balloons with rubber bands, etc.) or a while. Fill it all the way with water and let it sit for an hour.
When you pour out the water you will notice all sorts of discolored junk pouring out. Take a cloth on a wire hanger and swab the inside out of all loosened material. Rinse with boiling water and let dry. You may have to repeat the process.
D. Finally, if you have access to an ozone producing machine, you can put the horn with the bell up against the outlet and let it deodorize overnight. Some commercial models will do it in an hour.
E. You can also carefully spray a coat of polyurethane inside about four inches up in the end you blow into as well as the bell.
Caring for Shofar: Regularly use oil on your horns. Inside and outside to keep them from drying out.
We refer lemon oil. Also olive oil and any anointing oils are fine.
A. The simplest method is to brush out whatever residue can be seen (and smelled!) in the shofar. Pour enough hydrogen peroxide to fill half the horn with the mouthpiece plugged. Swirl it back and forth until the residue is bubbled out (like disinfecting a wound). Pour out the liquid and repeat. Eventually no more residues will come out. Now, swab out the horn with a rag tied to a piece of wire, like coat hanger.
B. Another method of cleaning was demonstrated on a video by Dick Reuben.
Step 1. Buy a “nerf” ball (soft and pliable), an ear plug (the squeeze and insert type available at most drug stores), some fish tank gravel (not sand and not very big) and some alcohol.
Step 2. Plug the mouthpiece with the earplug. Pour in enough gravel that it can be shaken easily. Plug the bell end with the nerf ball.
Step 3. Shake it hard! for about 15 minutes.
Step 4. Pull out the nerf ball and empty out the gravel. Pour about a cup of alcohol in and replace the ball. Shake for about a minute.
Step 5. Pull out the ball. Pour out the alcohol. Remove the earplug. Let it dry.
The alcohol should dry quickly. It should eliminate the smell and disinfect the horn. DO NOT let any liquid stay in too long. If necessary use a mild bleach solution but realize it will take a few days for the chlorine smell to dissipate. You could also use witch hazel with spearmint but use it sparingly. Stubborn smells can also be eliminated with odor neutralizers.
When the horn is clean, anoint the bell end with some anointing oil that has frankincense and myrrh. Put some up the mouthpiece channel with a trumpet valve brush (purchased at a music store). It will be the soft bones of the neck part of the horn that will begin to stink again as you blow moisture back into it as you sound the horn. The myrrh will seal the bone and stop the odor. Remember, myrrh is what they anointed dead bodies with! It doesn’t hurt to ask YHVH to bless the horn and your efforts to glorify Him at the same time.
C. A great method that has worked well is to use "Oxi-clean" or a similar product
Fill the horn half full of hot, but not boiling water. (Use some boiling water and create a volcano!) Put in the scoop of product and then shake the horn with both ends plugged or capped (corks or balloons with rubber bands, etc.) or a while. Fill it all the way with water and let it sit for an hour.
When you pour out the water you will notice all sorts of discolored junk pouring out. Take a cloth on a wire hanger and swab the inside out of all loosened material. Rinse with boiling water and let dry. You may have to repeat the process.
D. Finally, if you have access to an ozone producing machine, you can put the horn with the bell up against the outlet and let it deodorize overnight. Some commercial models will do it in an hour.
E. You can also carefully spray a coat of polyurethane inside about four inches up in the end you blow into as well as the bell.
Caring for Shofar: Regularly use oil on your horns. Inside and outside to keep them from drying out.
We refer lemon oil. Also olive oil and any anointing oils are fine.
Guidelines for Blowing Shofar for the Sick or Confined:
1. You are performing a mitzvah, an act of holiness, by enabling others to hear the sound of shofar. It is also a mitzvah, to visit the sick and confined.
2. Be respectful of the person you are visiting and others in the room. Your shofar blasts are still effective if you blow quietly to avoid scaring people. If someone does not want to hear you blow shofar, do not blow for them; wish them a sweet New Year and leave.
3. Be respectful of the institution you are visiting and heed its rules and staff’s instructions. Check in with the visitor liaison or nursing station before going to someone’s room. Even if you scheduled a visit, understand that plans may have to adjust to the current situation in the facility. Knock before entering a person’s room. Illness can make a person more sensitive to smells, so use moderation if applying perfume or a fragrance. When visiting the infirm, wash your hands before and after shaking hands with or otherwise touching a patient.
4. Lower your expectations about how you or your shofar blowing will be received. A person, especially if ill or confined, may respond to shofar or your presence with anger, sadness, fear, confusion, or other unexpected behavior. Trust in the holiness of your intentions and stay focused on the mitzvah.
5. A person who is sick may want to talk or want more personal attention than you are able to give; you do not become responsible for all their needs just because you have visited. Be civil and loving, but know your limits.
6. Do not become embroiled in discussions about Jewish sectarian issues or inter-religious discussion. For example, some Orthodox Jewish men may not want to hear shofar blown by a woman.
7. Visiting the sick and hearing shofar can bring up feelings inside you; you may want to ask a friend to go with you for support.
8. If you are asked to visit a private home, be aware of your surroundings and security concerns. Ask someone to come with you if necessary.
9. The family members and caregivers of the person you are visiting may also appreciate hearing shofar. Non-Jewish roommates or staff for example may also respond to or be curious about shofar. While you are at an institution, ask if there are other residents or staff that may want to hear shofar.
10. Listen to shofar while you blow. Do not worry about the quality of your shofar calls; this is holy work and not a concert. All sounds from the shofar are acceptable.
Names we are called or assocated with the Mighty Shofar: The Shofar Army, The Shofar Call, Shofar Call Ministry, Inc,The Call of the Shofar, TheShofarMan, Mr. Shofar, Shofar So Great, ShofarShop, The Shofar Men, The Tallit Team, Ram's Horn Shofars, Shofar Sounds, Shofars 7-7-07 Israel Shofar and Holy Land Gifts
This instrument of warfare will help you and your church to SOUND THE ALARM. Joel 2:1-28
At your finger tips!
Resources
Resources
- Shofar Call Store
- Way of The Master
- Awakening America
- Call 2 Fall
- Family Research Council
- Register & Vote
- The Call
- Tri-State Life Connection
- Dancing Veils
- Bound4Life
- Promise Keepers
- Church Directory
- Ohio Reformation Prayer
- Kingdom Advancement
- Faith 2 Action
- Operation Rescue
- Faith, Hope & Love International
- Exodus International
- Family Life
- Prepare the Way
- Heart of God Ministries
- Restoring Lives
- Nature Born Vitamins
- Sid Roth - It's Supernational - How He met the Messiah
Worldwide network of Shofar Blowers, Prayer Warriors, Dancers and Flag Ministries to praise the Lord and Sound the Alarm for Change, warning everyone to repent and obey the Lord God! Sign up to network together- see Menu bar and click on "JOIN US"
RSS Feed
Boston Night of Worship
Spainish Shofar Blowers
To Support Us
