The first day the seventh month on Israel’s calendar is a biblical triple-header memorial festival: Rosh Chodesh (New Moon), Yom Teruah (Day of Blowing Trumpets) and Rosh Hashanah (New Year). There are also a number of connections between and lessons in the mentions of trumpets in the Apostolic Writings (New Testament) and the themes of this festival. Here are Bible readings related to the festival and other details to get you ready to celebrate.
God’s call (Exodus 3:1-4:17) shows that even when we feel weak, unknown, or afraid, God’s presence (“I am”) empowers us. He reveals Himself, commissions Moses, gives signs, and insists obedience. In parallel passage Isaiah 40:11-19, God’s greatness is contrasted with the frailty and worthlessness of idols and nations — He tends his flock, carries the lambs, shepherds the weak, showing compassion. Parallel passage Acts 10 (Peter & Cornelius) demonstrates that God’s acceptance is not limited to Jews — cleansed hearts, not food laws, bring people near; Gentiles are included in God’s covenant through Messiah Yeshua.
Exodus 1–2 shows God opposing oppression through courageous women and preserving Moses, patterning a redeemer whose story foreshadows Messiah. Parallel passage Isaiah 27:6–13 promises Israel’s fruitfulness and the great shofar gathering exiles to worship in Jerusalem — an end-time hope. Hebrews 11:23 highlights Moses’ parents’ faith, defying Pharaoh because they discerned God’s purpose in their son. Romans 16:1–2 commends Phoebe, who modeled Spirit-empowered female partnership in the Body of Messiah’s mission. Together these passages call disciples to fear God, honor women’s roles and trust Messiah’s deliverance.
Genesis 49:27–50:26 contains prophetic foreshadowing. Joseph embodies Messiah-like qualities: suffering, humility, exile, reconciliation and life-giving leadership. The tribe of Benjamin symbolizes both fierce protection and destructive potential in Israel’s destiny. Genesis 49:10 (“Shiloh”) is seen as heralding the Messiah’s rule — affirmed by Talmudic, Midrashic and Dead Sea Scroll traditions. Parallel passage Zechariah 14:1–11 typifies the Messiah’s return: a divine, physical arrival on the Mount of Olives and cosmic restoration. Another parallel in Luke 23:13–34 reflects the Messiah’s redemptive suffering, extending forgiveness and God’s compassionate love (khesed) even in crucifixion.
Jacob’s dying blessings (Genesis 48–49) reveal God’s sovereign election (e.g., blessing Ephraim over Manasseh, and the Messiah from Judah), model reconciliation and grace through suffering. Parallel passage Isaiah 43:1–7 emphasizes God’s intimate, redemptive calling of Israel by name and His promise to deliver and restore them. And in another parallel, John 16:25–33, Yeshua (Jesus) in His final discourse to His closest students (disciples) encourages trust amid tribulation, promising peace in Him despite coming hardships.
Jacob’s descent to Egypt (Genesis 46:28–47:31) illustrates God’s covenant care through Joseph’s preservation and the emotional father–son reunion; Judah’s leadership foreshadows messianic mediation. In David’s last charge (1Kings 2:1–4), the transition to Solomon underlines continuity of God’s promise and the responsibility of righteous succession. At the cross (John 19:28–30), the proclamations of Yeshua (Jesus) “I thirst” and “It is finished” affirm the fulfillment of Scripture and the completeness of redemption through Messiah — a union of Heaven and Earth.
This study of Genesis 44:18–46:27 reveals Judah’s self-sacrifice for Benjamin, foreshadowing Messiah’s atonement and Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers as a picture of Israel’s future restoration. In parallel passage Joshua 14:6–15 Caleb’s faith and perseverance are on display, trusting God’s promises despite age or opposition. In Luke 24:13–27, Yeshua (Jesus) reveals the Scriptures to the Emmaus disciples, revealing that Messiah’s suffering and glory were foretold. Together, these passages emphasize covenant faithfulness, redemption through Messiah, and the call to steadfast trust in God’s Word until promises are fulfilled.