Are the so-called sky trumpets people have been reporting a sign of the end times?

TL;DR:

Mysterious trumpet-like sounds have been reported worldwide, but they are unlikely to be the biblical trumpets of prophecy since the tribulation has not begun. Instead of focusing on these sky trumpets, we should prioritize our relationship with Jesus, staying faithful and sharing the gospel.

what does the bible say?

People around the world have been reporting hearing hums, musical blasts, horns, or other trumpet-like sounds from the sky or even from the Earth itself. Reports from the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Russia, Australia, the Czech Republic, and other places describe a unique sound with groaning ,interspersed with metallic, vibrating, musical-like qualities. Some report hearing voices that can't be understood. These trumpet-like sounds are unlikely to be the biblical trumpets described in prophecy. Since the tribulation has not begun and the rapture has not occurred, these recent sounds are likely natural or man-made rather than divine signs of the end-times judgment. However, the Bible warns that the last days will bring increased wickedness and deception. Rather than focusing on unexplained sounds, we should focus on our relationship with Jesus, staying faithful, watchful, and sharing the gospel while there is still time.

from the old testament

Heavenly trumpets do exist and God has employed them in the past and will use them again. In Exodus 19:16, a loud trumpet blast accompanied God's presence on Mt. Sinai when He gave the Law. This sound grew in intensity (Exodus 19:19).

from the new testament

In the future, the rapture of Jesus' followers will be announced by a trumpet sound (1 Corinthians 15:52).
In Matthew 24:31, Jesus talked about His second coming this way: "And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
John describes seven angels who usher in judgments on the earth during the end times tribulation with seven trumpets (Revelation 8—9).

implications for today

The recent sounds cannot be the trumpet sounds of Revelation 8—9 because the tribulation has not begun. And because the rapture hasn't occurred, the sky trumpets heard in the last few years are not the "last trumpet" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:52. The likeliest explanation for these sky trumpets, biblically speaking, is that they are man-made or naturally occurring. We do know that the last times described in the Bible will be accompanied by increased wickedness and more and more false teaching (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3; Jude 1:18). These will increase after the rapture (2 Thessalonians 2:9–11). Rather than focusing on sky trumpets, people should focus on the state of their souls—their relationship with Jesus. When the final trumpet sounds, it means the end is near, and the opportunity for salvation will come to an end. In light of this, we should be watchful, stand firm in faith, and share the gospel while there is still time (1 Corinthians 16:13; Matthew 28:19-20).

understand

The reported sky trumpets are not the biblical trumpets since the tribulation hasn’t begun.
The Bible describes trumpets for God’s presence, the rapture, and end-times judgments.
The sky trumpets are likely man-made or natural sounds.

reflect

How does knowing that the tribulation has not yet begun shape your understanding of end-times prophecy?
How can you stay focused on your relationship with Jesus instead of being distracted by mysterious signs?
How does the Bible’s teaching about the last days motivate you to share the gospel with others?

engage

Why do you think people are drawn to sensational signs rather than focusing on biblical truth?
How can we discern true biblical prophecy when discussing end-times signs?
What does the Bible’s use of trumpets teach us about God’s plan for redemption and judgment?