The joyful shout of Yom Teruah(Rosh Hashanah)

5782 B”H

Yom Teruah (“Day of the Shout”) is the correct Biblical name for the Holy Day more commonly called Rosh Hashanah, meaning “Head of the Year.” To make things more complicated, Rosh Hashanah is additionally called Yom HaZikkaron, meaning “Day of Remembrance.” This refers to Leviticus 23:24‘s exhortation to have a “memorial:”

“Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation.” Leviticus 23:24. ESV

“Speak to Bnei-Yisrael, saying: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you are to have a Shabbat rest, a memorial of blowing (shofarot), a holy convocation.” Leviticus 23:24 TLV

Notice, the Day of the Shofar/Shout is considered a Sabbath day. Many Christians today do not realize that there are Sabbaths that fall on days besides Saturday. It is yet another opportunity to have an appointment with the LORD. Consider celebrating the prophetic feast of Yom Teruah and the High Holy Days this year, taking time to rest and rejoice in the God of Israel!

Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah is very much associated with a time of repentance leading up to Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). These days are known as the Days of Awe. Traditional Judaism teaches that on Rosh Hashanah your name may be written in the book of Life and that on Yom Kippur, it may be sealed there. As disciples of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), we know that our name is written in the Book of Life at the moment of salvation, and it is by His Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) that we are sealed.

What does the Hebrew word “Teruah” mean?

The Hebrew word, “teruah” תְּרוּעָה means “shout!” It is a startling, battlecry type of shout. Think of Jericho and the walls falling down. This is no time for a half-hearted noise. This word expresses a collective shout that is unified, massive, earth-shaking, and awe-inspiring.

Walls will come down, if you will participate.

Walls will come down, if you will believe.

The Israelites had been instructed to circle the city of Jericho 7 times on the 7th day.

“Then on the seventh time, when the kohanim blew the shofarot, Joshua ordered the people, “Shout! For ADONAI has given you the city!” Joshua 6:16

Shofarot is the plural for shofar. Shofars were sounded and the people shouted, and they won the city.

What battle are you facing?

Are you willing to do things God’s way?

Will you turn away from sin and enter into a relationship with Messiah Yeshua (Jesus)?

Teruah brings us to victory.

Sometimes we need to shout our praise and our thankfulness!

Blessed are the people who know the joyful teruah

The Bible says:

“Blessed are the people who know the joyful shout!
They walk in the light of Your presence, ADONAI.” Psalm 89:15

Yom Teruah people who know the joyful shout

And that

“God has ascended amidst shouts of joy, ADONAI amidst the sounding of the shofar.” Psalm 47:5

Notice a theme here? JOY!

Though a battle may be raging, if we truly trust our Mighty Conqueror and Victorious Savior, we will have peace in the face of an enemy. Internally, we will have joy unspeakable. And it might even overflow in such a way that it is apparent externally.

Have you ever worshipped in such a manner? Tambourine in hand, dancing before your King? Arms lifted high in freedom of praise? Perhaps you have used worship flags or banners? Allow your joy to overflow and you will find great liberty, healing, and strength in the LORD’s presence!

Here is a song that may inspire you to praise in such a manner:

You see, once you realize from just how deep a pit you have been rescued, your praise changes. You won’t be ashamed to dance before your Creator. You will overflow with Living Water.

The Coronation of our King

Another very central theme during Yom Teruah/Rosh Hashanah is that the LORD (ADONAI) is King over all the earth. Traditional Judaism teaches that Rosh Hashanah is the appropriate time for the crowning of a king! Our Messiah Yeshua is King of all kings, the Victorious One and we look forward to His coronation again in Jerusalem!

“No misfortune is to be seen in Jacob,
and no misery in Israel!
ADONAI their God is with them
—the King’s shout is among them!” Numbers 23:21

This joyful verse from Numbers 23:21 uses the word “teruah” in connection to our King! Assuredly, even our King will shout and this prevents misfortune or misery from being among God’s people.