Taamei Hamitzvos - Trumpet-Blowing at Times of War and Distress
Reasons Behind the Mitzvos: Trumpet-Blowing at Times of War and Distress
By Rabbi Shmuel Kraines
Mitzvah 384 (The mitzvah also obligates the blowing of trumpets in accompaniment of the offerings, which will not be discussed here.)
“When you go to war in your land, against the enemy that attacks you, you shall blow the trumpets, and you will be remembered before Hashem your
THE MITZVAH
When we go out to war and at other times of distress, it is a mitzvah to cry out to Hashem and to blow trumpets (Rambam, Sefer HaMitzvos §59). According to one Midrash, the mitzvah applies specifically to the two trumpets that were made by Moshe and hidden upon his death. During the war of Gog and Magog, these will be discovered and blown, and about this the verse states, you will be saved from your enemies, forever (Sifri 76, as explained by Meshech Chochmah). However, the accepted halachic opinion is that this mitzvah applies in all times of national distress. Some limit the application of this mitzvah to Eretz Yisrael, when it is under Jewish control, and only when there is a terrible decree that threatens a majority of the nation (Pri Megadim,OC 576:1). As to whether a shofar may substitute for a trumpet, see Mishnah Berurah (ibid.) and Sifri Zuta (Bamidbar 10:8).
Reason One: Terrifies the Enemy
Trumpets are blown during battle as an expression of power in order to terrify the enemy. By commanding us to blow trumpets, Hashem means that we should place our trust in Him and express our confidence that He is with us. When we do so, He remembers His relationship with us and the merit of our forefathers, and He faithfully saves us from our enemies (basedon Radak to Tehillim 89:16, Meiri, Chibur HaTeshuvah 2:3, and Rabbeinu Meyuchas).
Reason Two: Awakens the Heart and Focuses the Mind
At times of life-threatening distress, it is imperative that a person cries out and supplicates to Hashem with his whole heart, but the coarseness of human nature encourages the heart to continue to slumber and miss the opportunity for salvation. There is nothing that awakens like a musical instrument, and especially the trumpet. In addition, the sound of the trumpet captures the heart and clears the mind of all thoughts that would otherwise disturb the complete concentration that is necessary in order to pray from the depths of the heart (Chinuch; Ibn Ezra).
Reason Three: Invokes Repentance
When the Jewish people sin, Hashem “forgets” them and allows their enemies to attack them. The trumpet blasts cause the Jewish people to fear Hashem and repent, and then Hashem “remembers” them (Abarbanel). Whenever Hashem “remembers” the Jewish people, He immediately has mercy upon them and saves them (Sifri §76).
Reason Four: A Call for Help
The trumpet sounding is a call for help that is directed at Hashem, as if to say: “Remember us, stand by our side, and save us from our enemies!” (Rav Hirsch).
