God’s people are summoned to joyful participation in His appointed times, reflecting on His faithfulness with reverence and praise.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon, At the full moon, on our feast day (v.3) is a rousing summons for God’s people to come together in celebration. In Psalm 81, traditionally attributed to Asaph, who served as a Levitical singer during the reign of King David around 1000 BC, this verse highlights the importance of gathering before the Lord with songs and instruments at key moments in Israel’s lunar calendar. By singling out the new moon and the full moon, the psalmist calls attention to special festivals and holy days, reminding everyone to offer praise for God’s deliverance and loving provision.
In ancient Israel, trumpets (often ram’s horns, or “shofars”) were blown over burnt offerings and peace offerings to celebrate the new moon (Numbers 10:10). These blasts, also employed at other appointed feasts, announced both national gatherings and times of rejoicing. Psalm 81:3 thus draws on a rich tradition of using trumpet calls to usher the community into sacred assemblies where they could recall God’s powerful works, from the Exodus out of Egypt to their present day, and pledge fresh devotion to Him. By mentioning the full moon alongside the new moon, the passage may suggest festivals such as Tabernacles, which took place during the full moon in the seventh month, reinforcing a continual cycle of worship that dedicated each season to the Lord.
In a wider biblical context, this verse underscores the communal aspect of worship, reminding believers that their faith thrives when marked by consistent, joyful fellowship with God. The trumpet blast is not merely a ceremonial signal—it is a summons to remember His covenant blessings and to delight in the presence of the Almighty as they anticipate His ongoing care in every season.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 81:3 meaning
Blow the trumpet at the new moon, At the full moon, on our feast day (v.3) is a rousing summons for God’s people to come together in celebration. In Psalm 81, traditionally attributed to Asaph, who served as a Levitical singer during the reign of King David around 1000 BC, this verse highlights the importance of gathering before the Lord with songs and instruments at key moments in Israel’s lunar calendar. By singling out the new moon and the full moon, the psalmist calls attention to special festivals and holy days, reminding everyone to offer praise for God’s deliverance and loving provision.
In ancient Israel, trumpets (often ram’s horns, or “shofars”) were blown over burnt offerings and peace offerings to celebrate the new moon (Numbers 10:10). These blasts, also employed at other appointed feasts, announced both national gatherings and times of rejoicing. Psalm 81:3 thus draws on a rich tradition of using trumpet calls to usher the community into sacred assemblies where they could recall God’s powerful works, from the Exodus out of Egypt to their present day, and pledge fresh devotion to Him. By mentioning the full moon alongside the new moon, the passage may suggest festivals such as Tabernacles, which took place during the full moon in the seventh month, reinforcing a continual cycle of worship that dedicated each season to the Lord.
In a wider biblical context, this verse underscores the communal aspect of worship, reminding believers that their faith thrives when marked by consistent, joyful fellowship with God. The trumpet blast is not merely a ceremonial signal—it is a summons to remember His covenant blessings and to delight in the presence of the Almighty as they anticipate His ongoing care in every season.