The following are my current thoughts on two of the most important appointed times (moedim) in the seventh month: Yom Teruah (the Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippurim (the Day of Atonements). These days are not man-made holidays. They are God’s own appointments on His calendar, set apart for His people.
What the Bible Actually Says
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Yom Teruah (1st day of the 7th month)
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Holy convocation (gathering).
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Do no ordinary work.
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Blow the trumpets (shofar).
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Present offerings by fire.
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The Torah does not give a reason — only that it is a memorial. (Leviticus 23:23–25; Numbers 29:1–6).
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Yom Kippurim (10th day of the 7th month)
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Holy convocation.
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Afflict yourselves (traditionally fasting).
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Do no work at all.
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Sabbath of solemn rest.
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High Priest enters the Holy of Holies once per year to atone for Israel’s sins. (Leviticus 16; Leviticus 23:26–32; Numbers 29:7–11).
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Between these two moedim, Scripture is silent. There are no specific instructions for the days in between.
The Space In-Between
Although the Bible doesn’t command what happens between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippurim, many have called these days the “Days of Awe.” This idea comes from later Jewish tradition, not Torah itself.
Personally, I see it this way:
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Yom Teruah is the announcement — the trumpet awakens us, declaring that something holy is about to unfold.
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The next days are a grace window — an opportunity to “tighten things up,” reconcile broken relationships, and prepare our hearts.
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Yom Kippurim is the culmination — the solemn day to acknowledge God’s judgment and honor Messiah as our High Priest who atones for sin.
Think of it like preparing for a final exam or polishing up a big project: the last few days before the deadline are when you focus, clean, evaluate, and tighten everything.
Messiah’s Fulfillment
As believers in Yeshua, these moedim take on even deeper meaning:
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Yom Teruah → Messiah’s Kingship and His anticipated return, when the trumpet will sound and the saints will meet Him in the clouds (1 Corinthians 15:51–52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).
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Yom Kippurim → Messiah as our High Priest, who once for all entered the heavenly Most Holy Place with His own blood (Hebrews 9–10).
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The days in between → a season of repentance and preparation, where we align our lives with His holiness.
Clarifications for Newcomers
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Some call this season Rosh Hashanah (New Year). That’s the Babylonian civil calendar influence. Biblically, the year begins in the spring at Passover (Exodus 12:2).
I refer to the months only by their numbers, since in Scripture God identifies them this way (first month, seventh month, etc.). The practice of naming months came later through Babylonian influence.
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The “King in the field,” “Books of Life,” and “10 Days of Awe” are later Jewish traditions. I find this useful for spiritual reflection, but they are not commanded in Scripture.
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What is commanded: gather, rest, blow the trumpet, fast, and honor God’s appointed days.
Why It Matters
I believe honoring these days gives us two things:
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Grace for this life — walking in alignment with God’s rhythms brings peace, clarity, and blessing.
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Hope for the next life — our ultimate goal is New Jerusalem, where God Himself will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:3).
Final Word
For me, Yom Teruah through Yom Kippurim is about:
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Trumpets → Anticipating the King.
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Atonement → Honoring the High Priest.
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In between → Preparing, reconciling, and drawing near.
At the end of the day, these moedim are a rehearsal — a prophetic rhythm that points us toward the final harvest, the return of the King, and the dwelling of God with His people.
