Other historical records tell us that Herod builds his fabulous temple some years before Jesus’ birth (John 2:20; Mark 13:1). The New Testament shows temple services as functioning. This should mean that formal worship continues as previously, with the high priest using bells, the priests blowing their silver trumpets, and Levites making music vocally and instrumentally. We assume the law of Moses is being followed, at least in outward ways (Matthew 23:2-3, 23; John 9:28). But these activities are not mentioned much, and Jesus is neither an Aaronic priest nor a Levite.
However, Jesus is the Son of God. His birth is announced by heavenly messengers (Luke 2:8-14). Stirring poetry, which lends itself to song, greets His arrival (Luke 1:46-55; 68-79; 2:29-32 cf. 1 Timothy 3:16). As the Prophet, He predicts a final trumpet call at His second coming and the end of the world (Matthew 24:31 cf. 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).
But the Gospel mentions neither a heavenly trumpet nor an earthly trumpet to herald Jesus’ first coming. Yes, by Moses’ order, trumpets still blast over the altar with its animal sacrifices. No, that trumpet is not blown over the ultimate Sacrifice on bloody Golgotha. Yes, by David’s order, glorious music echoes across the temple courts. No, for Jesus—the truly divine temple (John 2:21)—there is no such musical majesty.
There is one kind of glory for David. There is another kind of glory for David’s Son. John says of Jesus, “We have seen His glory” (John 1:14). But the glory of Immanuel has little to do with the grandeur of earthly kings: powerful armies, magnificent palaces, royal robes, pomp and ceremony, and musical fanfare. His is the true glory (Isaiah 40:5; Luke 9:32; John 1:14; 2:11; 8:54; 11:4; 12:41; 17:22). When we begin to appreciate Immanuel’s glory, we also glimpse the mystery of true worship.