Title: Psalm 81 and the Feast of Trumpets 

Subject: Looking Back to the Symbolism of the Spring Holy Days
Summary: In this Bible Study on Psalm 81, traditionally read or performed on the Feast of Trumpets, John Plunkett carefully examines what God has to say to Israel. Following the example of ancient Israel, we are commanded to sing out loud with power and volume, lifting our song up to the presence of the Eternal and our High Priest. The ensemble selected to accompany this psalm consisted of drums, a twangy timbrel or kinnor, and a piercing shofar, a military trumpet carved out of a ram's horn, depended upon to give a definitive signal. The pronoun "I" in verses 6-10 appears to belong to God, in the capacity of delivering Jacob, Joseph, and Joseph's descendants (including the Israel of God) from bondage, testing them, and proving their obedience. God knew each of us individually even before we called out to Him. We must learn from our forebears not to murmur and disparage the miracles He has performed on our behalf, rescuing us from our abject bondage to sin. We are commanded to listen and pay attention to the messages God has prepared for us rather than follow the example of modern Israel, destroyed by walking according to their own corrupt counsels. As we approach the Omega portion of this sacred year, we are encouraged to rejoice, but not to ignore the sober lessons acquired from the Alpha portion of this sacred year.

Keywords: Alpha and Omega, Asaph, Confinement of Satan, Confusion, Convener Drum, Fall Holy Days Feast of Trumpets First fruits Gath Gittith Harp Hear High Priest Holy Days Honey symbolism Incising Israel of God Jug bands Kinnor Last post Latin services Listen Listening Messenger of Christ Millennium Musical appreciation New moon Omega Paul Psalm 81 Psaltery Reveille Shafar Shofar Shut up and listen Timbrel Tishre Toph Treading grapes Trumpet Winepress