Blow Ye the Trumpet, Blow

Charles Wesley’s hymn Blow Ye the Trumpet, Blow – The Jubilee is a vibrant proclamation of God’s redemptive power and the joyful anticipation of spiritual freedom. Written in the mid-18th century, this hymn draws inspiration from the biblical concept of the Jubilee, when liberty was proclaimed and debts forgiven, symbolizing the ultimate liberation found in Christ. Wesley calls upon believers to lift their voices in praise and announce the good news of salvation, likening it to the sounding of a trumpet that reaches all ears and hearts.

The hymn’s imagery is both celebratory and stirring, emphasizing the triumph of God’s kingdom over sin, death, and despair. The trumpet becomes a symbol of awakening, calling souls to repentance, faith, and joyous recognition of Christ’s victory. Through lively meter and repeated exhortations, Wesley conveys the urgency and grandeur of this divine message, inviting the worshipper to actively participate in the spiritual jubilee.

Scripturally, the hymn echoes Isaiah 61:1-2, where the Spirit of the Lord is proclaimed to bring good tidings to the oppressed, and Leviticus 25:10, which commands the declaration of liberty throughout the land during the Jubilee year. By blending these passages, Wesley connects Old Testament ceremonial freedom with the ultimate freedom found in Christ, reinforcing the hymn’s theme of liberation, renewal, and celebration.

Blow Ye the Trumpet, Blow continues to inspire worshippers with its exuberant tone and deep theological roots. It encourages believers to recognize the fullness of God’s promises, to proclaim His mercy, and to rejoice in the victory of Christ. The hymn balances doctrinal richness with lively expression, making it a timeless anthem for both personal reflection and congregational praise. Through its jubilant call, it reminds the church that the good news of salvation is not only to be received but actively shared, echoing the eternal jubilee of joy and redemption available to all who trust in the Lord.