or יֹבֵל; apparently from יָבַל; the blast of a horn (from its continuous sound); specifically, the signal of the silver trumpets; hence, the instrument itself and the festival thus introduced; jubile, ram's horn, trumpet.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יוֹבֵל (yôwbêl, `{{H3104}}`) carries a rich semantic range, primarily denoting the sound of a horn or trumpet, the instrument itself, and, most significantly, the special festival inaugurated by this sound. Etymologically, it is often linked to the verb יָבַל (yābal, `{{H2986}}`), meaning "to bring," "to lead," or "to carry." This connection suggests the sound of the *yôwbêl* is one that "brings in" or "leads to" a significant event.
At its most basic, *yôwbêl* refers to the "blast of a horn," emphasizing its continuous or sustained nature. From this, the meaning extends to the instrument producing such a sound, most commonly identified with the ram's horn (שֹׁפָר, shofar, `{{H7782}}`). However, in certain contexts, it can refer to other trumpets used for ceremonial purposes. Crucially, *yôwbêl* is the specific term used to designate the "Year of Jubilee," a divinely ordained sabbatical year, so named because its commencement was proclaimed by the sound of the *yôwbêl* horn. Thus, the word encompasses the sound, the instrument, and the sacred time it announces.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *yôwbêl* appears approximately 27 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the Pentateuch, especially in Leviticus and Numbers, and notably in the book of Joshua.
Its most profound and frequent usage is in relation to the **Year of Jubilee** (שְׁנַת הַיּוֹבֵל, sh'nat hayyôwbêl). Leviticus 25 provides the most detailed legislation concerning this institution. Here, the *yôwbêl* sound marks the culmination of seven sabbatical cycles (49 years), heralding the 50th year as a time of extraordinary release and restoration.
* [[Leviticus 25:9]]: "Then you shall sound the trumpet of the Jubilee on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land." This verse explicitly links the *yôwbêl* horn with the proclamation of the Jubilee year.
* The regulations of the Jubilee year included the return of ancestral land to its original families ([[Leviticus 25:10]], [[Leviticus 25:13]], [[Leviticus 25:28]]), the release of all Israelite bondservants ([[Leviticus 25:10]], [[Leviticus 25:40]], [[Leviticus 25:54]]), and a cessation of agricultural labor ([[Leviticus 25:11-12]]). The sound of the *yôwbêl* was the divine signal for these profound societal adjustments.
Beyond the Jubilee, *yôwbêl* is used to describe the trumpets employed in the miraculous capture of Jericho.
* [[Joshua 6:4-6]], [[Joshua 6:8]], [[Joshua 6:13]]: Here, "trumpets of *yôwbêl*" (שֹׁפְרוֹת הַיּוֹבֵל, shofrot hayyôwbêl) are carried by the priests and blown as the Israelites march around the city. While often translated as "ram's horns," the phrase suggests a specific type of horn or a horn used for a specific, sacred purpose, distinct from the more general *shofar*. This usage underscores its role in divine warfare and the execution of God's commands.
In Exodus, the sound of a "trumpet" (שֹׁפָר, shofar) is prominent at Sinai, often associated with the *yôwbêl* in broader theological discussions due to its role in divine revelation and the establishment of the covenant, though the specific term *yôwbêl* is not used for the instrument there. The definition's mention of "the signal of the silver trumpets" (חֲצֹצְרָה, chatzozerah, `{{H2689}}`) suggests that the *yôwbêl* could also refer to the *sound* or *blast* produced by such instruments, particularly in ceremonial contexts, even if the primary association is with the ram's horn and the Jubilee.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several terms and concepts are closely related to *yôwbêl*, enriching its meaning:
* **שֹׁפָר (shofar, `{{H7782}}`):** This is the general Hebrew term for a ram's horn, an ancient musical instrument widely used in Israel for signaling, worship, and warfare. While *yôwbêl* can refer to the *shofar* when used for specific purposes (like the Jubilee), *shofar* is the broader term for the instrument itself. The *yôwbêl* is often the *shofar* used to proclaim the Jubilee.
* **חֲצֹצְרָה (chatzozerah, `{{H2689}}`):** The silver trumpet, distinct from the ram's horn, primarily used by priests in the tabernacle/temple for various signals, including summoning the congregation, directing encampments, and signaling for war or feasts. While the definition of *yôwbêl* hints at a connection to the "signal of the silver trumpets," the *yôwbêl* itself is typically understood as a ram's horn or a specialized horn, particularly for the Jubilee. The connection likely lies in the shared function of a sacred, declarative blast.
* **יָבַל (yābal, `{{H2986}}`):** The proposed root verb, meaning "to bring, carry, lead." This etymological link suggests that the *yôwbêl* sound "brings in" a new era, "carries" a message of freedom, or "leads" the people into a state of restoration.
* **דרור (d'rowr, `{{H1865}}`):** Meaning "freedom" or "liberty," this word is directly associated with the proclamation of the Jubilee year. [[Leviticus 25:10]] states, "You shall proclaim liberty (דְּרוֹר) throughout the land to all its inhabitants." The *yôwbêl* is the instrument of this proclamation.
* **שְׁמִטָּה (sh'mittah, `{{H8059}}`):** The sabbatical year, occurring every seventh year, which involved resting the land and releasing debts. The Jubilee year is an extension and culmination of the principles of *sh'mittah*, occurring after seven *sh'mittah* cycles. Both emphasize rest, release, and God's sovereignty over the land.
### Theological Significance
The *yôwbêl* holds profound theological significance, embodying core aspects of God's character and His covenant relationship with Israel.
1. **Divine Proclamation and Authority:** The sound of the *yôwbêl* is not merely a human signal but a divinely commanded blast that announces God's will and intervention in the affairs of His people. It signifies a direct act of God's sovereignty, initiating a period of His specific blessing and order.
2. **Restoration and Redemption:** The Year of Jubilee, proclaimed by the *yôwbêl*, is a powerful testament to God's commitment to justice, equity, and restoration. It ensures that economic disparities do not become permanent, that the land returns to its rightful heirs, and that those in bondage are set free. This cyclical restoration points to God's ultimate plan for cosmic redemption, a return to the original order of creation and a rectification of the effects of sin.
3. **Sovereignty over Creation:** The Jubilee laws, signaled by the *yôwbêl*, underscore God's absolute ownership of the land ("The land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me," [[Leviticus 25:23]]). The *yôwbêl* serves as a reminder that all possessions and even personal liberty are ultimately gifts from God, to be held in stewardship rather than absolute ownership.
4. **Anticipation of Messiah:** The themes of release, freedom, and restoration inherent in the Jubilee resonate deeply with the prophetic promises of a coming deliverer. Jesus, in His inaugural sermon, quotes from Isaiah 61, proclaiming His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord" ([[Luke 4:18-19]]). This "acceptable year of the Lord" is widely understood as a spiritual Jubilee, where true and ultimate freedom from sin and death is offered through Christ. The *yôwbêl* thus serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the comprehensive redemption brought by the Messiah.
5. **Hope and Renewal:** For the Israelite, the *yôwbêl* represented a fresh start, a reset button on life's burdens. It instilled hope, reminding them of God's faithfulness to provide and to intervene on behalf of the oppressed.
### Summary
The Hebrew word יוֹבֵל (yôwbêl, `{{H3104}}`) is a multifaceted term referring to the blast of a horn, the instrument producing it (often a ram's horn), and, most significantly, the divinely instituted Year of Jubilee. This sacred year, proclaimed by the sound of the *yôwbêl* on the Day of Atonement, mandated the return of ancestral lands, the release of Israelite bondservants, and a rest for the land. Beyond its primary association with the Jubilee, *yôwbêl* also describes the trumpets used in the conquest of Jericho, highlighting its role in sacred warfare and divine commands. Theologically, *yôwbêl* powerfully symbolizes God's sovereignty, His commitment to justice and restoration, and His provision of ultimate liberty. It stands as a profound Old Testament type, prefiguring the spiritual freedom and comprehensive redemption inaugurated by Jesus Christ, the ultimate proclaimer of the "acceptable year of the Lord."
TRV