Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Congregation, Toronto, Canada

The Shofar and Mashiach (Video)

Perhaps one of Judaism's most familiar symbols is the shofar, or ram's horn. The Bible mentions two different types of trumpets; the silver trumpet, and the shofar. The shofar can be made from five species of animals; the sheep, goat, mountain goat, antelope, and gazelle. According to the Encyclopedia Judaica, Rabbi Judah states, "the shofar for Rosh HaShanah (Yom Teruah) must be of the horn of a ram, to indicate submission." This idea comes from the story of Abraham being tested to sacrifice his only son, the one he loved, Isaac. We can read the entire story in Genesis / Bereshit 22, for sake of space I just want to hit some highlights. Verse 4 has some interesting nuggets: "On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance." On the surface, the verse speaks of the place that he would go to sacrifice Isaac. However, the verse also alludes to a future sacrifice that Abraham was given to privilege to see. The word "distance" is the Hebrew word "rachoq" which also can mean "a great while to come." In other words, Abraham saw into the future to the day that God would provide Himself a lamb (Mashiach). As Isaac carried the tree up the hill he asked his father, where is the lamb for the burnt offering? Abraham's reply, "God will provide for...