Isaiah 57:14 And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.”
The Yamim Nora’im — the “Days of Awe” — mark the ten solemn days between Yom Teruah (the Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). In ancient tradition, this sacred season is set apart for deep soul-searching, repentance, and reconciliation with both God and others, as it is believed that the Book of Life lies open, awaiting its final sealing on Yom Kippur. From a Messianic perspective, the Yamim Nora’im foreshadow an even greater prophetic reality: the time between the trumpet blast that gathers Messiah’s Bride and the final day of judgment, when He returns as King and Judge over all the earth. These days, then, are not merely reflective — they are a prophetic rehearsal of the end of the age, urging us to prepare our hearts with urgency and expectancy for the soon-coming King.
As the Days of Awe unfold, this call from Isaiah resounds with fresh urgency: Build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction. The prophet’s words remind us that before we can encounter the presence of the Holy One, the stumbling blocks of sin, pride, and rebellion must be cleared from the path of our hearts. These days between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur are designed for soul-searching, for facing what clutters our lives, and for turning back with sincerity to the God who longs to dwell among His people.
Isaiah’s cry echoes in the wilderness centuries later through John the Baptist: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” (Matthew 3:3). John’s mission was not only to call Israel to repentance but also to point to Yeshua (Jesus), the One who removes every true obstacle. Sin creates separation, but Yeshua came to reconcile us to God, leveling the ground, straightening the crooked places, and tearing down the walls that keep us from walking freely with Him.
During the Days of Awe, this passage is read as a summons to clear away every spiritual obstruction. For Israel, it is a call to repentance; for believers in Yeshua, it resounds with even greater depth — a call to encounter the living King Himself. Pride must give way to humility, bitterness to forgiveness, and compromise to wholehearted devotion. The Spirit still cries out: “Prepare the way!” Every obstacle must fall — every hidden sin, every divided heart, every stumbling block that keeps us from His presence. For soon the shofar will sound, not only to awaken but to announce the arrival of the Bridegroom. Let these Yamim Nora’im be a sacred clearing of the path within, for the King is at the door.