Reference: Music
American
The ancient Hebrews had a great taste for music, which they used in their religious services, in their public and private rejoicing, at their weddings and feasts, and even in their mourning. We have in Scripture canticles of joy, of thanksgiving, of praise, of mourning; also mournful elegies or songs, as those of David on the death of Saul and Abner, and the Lamentations of Jeremiah on the destruction of Jerusalem; so, too, songs of victory, triumph, and gratulation, as that which Moses sung after passing the Red Sea, that of Deborah and Barak, and others. The people of God went up to Jerusalem thrice a year, cheered on their way with songs of joy, Ps 84:12; Isa 30:29. The book of Psalms comprises a wonderful variety of inspired pieces for music, and is an inexhaustible treasure for the devout in all ages.
Music is perhaps the most ancient of the fine arts. Jubal, who lived before the deluge, was the "father" of those who played on the harp and the organ, Ge 4:21; 31:26-27. Laban complains that his son-in-law Jacob had left him, without giving him an opportunity of sending his family away "with mirth and with songs, with tabret and with harp." Moses, having passed through the Red Sea, composed a song, and sung it with the Israelitish men, while Miriam, his sister, sung it with dancing, and playing on instruments, at the head of the women, Ex 15:20-21. He caused silver trumpets to be made to be sounded at solemn sacrifices, and on religious festivals. David, who had great skill in music, soothed the perturbed spirit of Saul by playing on the harp, 1Sa 16:16,23; and when he was himself established on the throne - seeing that the Levites were not employed, as formerly, in carrying the boards, veils, and vessels of the tabernacle, its abode being fixed at Jerusalem - appointed a great part of them to sing and to play on instruments in the temple, 1Ch 25. David brought the ark to Jerusalem with triumphant and joyful music, 1Ch 13:8; 15:16-28; and in the same manner Solomon was proclaimed king, 1Ki 1:39-40. The Old Testament prophets also sought the aid of music in their services, 1Sa 10:5; 2Ki 3:15.
Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun were chiefs of the music of the tabernacle under David, and of the temple under Solomon. Asaph had four sons, Jeduthun six, and Heman fourteen. These twenty-four Levites, sons of the three great masters of the temple-music, were at the head of twenty-four bands of musicians, which served in the temple by turns. Their number there was always great, but especially at the chief solemnities. They were ranged in order about the altar of burnt-sacrifices. As the whole business of their lives was to learn and to practice music, it must be supposed that they understood it well, whether it were vocal or instrumental, 2Ch 29:25.
The kings also had their music. Asaph was chief master of music to David. In the temple, and in the ceremonies of religion, female musicians were admitted as well as male; they generally were daughters of the Levites. Ezra, in his enumeration of those whom he brought back with him from the captivity, reckons two hundred singing men and singing women, 2Sa 19:35; Ezr 2:65; Ne 7:67.
As to the nature of their music, we can judge of it only by conjecture, because it has been long lost. Probably it was a unison of several voices, of which all sung together the same melody, each according to his strength and skill; without musical counterpoint, or those different parts and combinations which constitute harmony in our music. Probably, also, the voices were generally accompanied by instrumental music. If we may draw any conclusions in favor of their music from its effects, its magnificence, its majesty, and the lofty sentiments contained in their songs, we must allow it great excellence. It is supposed that the temple musicians were sometimes divided into two or more separate choirs, which, with a general chorus, sung in turn responsive to each other, each a small portion of the Psalm. The structure of the Hebrew Psalms is eminently adapted to this mode of singing, and very delightful and solemn effects might thus be produced. Compare 10/type/mstc'>10/type/mstc'>Ps 24:10/type/mstc'>10,10/type/mstc'>10,10/type/mstc'>10.
Numerous musical instruments are mentioned in Scripture, but it has been found impossible to affix heir names with certainty to specific instruments now in use. By a comparison, however, of the instruments probably held in common by the Jews with the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, a degree of probability as to most of them has been secured. They were of three kinds:
A. Stringed instruments:
1. KINNOR, "the harp," Ge 4:21. Frequently mentioned in Scripture, and probably a kind of lyre.
2. NEBEL, "the psaltery," 1Sa 10:5. It appears to have been the name of various large instruments of the harp kind.
3. ASOR, signifying ten-stringed. In Ps 92:4, it apparently denotes an instrument distinct from the NEBEL; but elsewhere it seems to be simply a description of the NEBEL as ten-stringed. See Ps 33:2; 144:9.
4. GITTITH. It occurs in the titles of Ps 8:1; 81:1; 84:1. From the name, it is supposed that David brought it from Gath. Others conclude that it is a general name for a string instrument.
5. MINNIM, strings, Ps 150:4. Probably another kind of stringed instrument.
6. SABECA, "sackbut," Da 3:5,7,10,15. A kind of lyre.
7. PESANTERIN, "psaltery," occurs Da 3:7, and is supposed to represent the NEBEL.
8. MACHALATH. Found in the titles of Ps 53:1; 88:1; supposed to be a lute or guitar.
B. Wind instruments:
9. KEREN, "horn," Jos 6:5. Cornet.
10. SHOPHAR, "trumpet," Nu 10:10. Used synonymously with KEREN.
11. CHATZOZERAH, the straight trumpet, Ps 98:6.
12. JOBEL, or KEREN JOBEL, horn of jubilee, or signal trumpet, Jos 6:4. Probably the same with 9 and 10.
13. CHAIL, "pipe" or "flute." The word means bored through, 1Sa 10:5.
14. MISHROKITHA, Da 3:5, etc. Probably the Chaldean name for the flute with two reeds.
15. UGAB, "organ" in our version Ge 4:21. It means a double or manifold pipe, and hence the shepherd's pipe; probably the same as the syrinx or Pan's pipe; or perhaps resembling the bagpipe.
C. Instruments which gave out sound on being struck:
17. TOPH, Ge 31:27, the tambourine and all instruments of the drum kind.
18. PHAAMON, "bells," Ex 28:33. Attached to the hem of the high priest's garment.
19. TZELITZELIM, "cymbals," Ps 150:5. A word frequently occurring. There were probably two kinds, hand-cymbals.
20. SHALISHIM, 1Sa 18:6. In our version, "instruments of music." "Three-stringed instruments." Most writers identify it with the triangle.
21. MENAANEIM, "cymbals," 2Sa 6:5. Probably the sistrum. The Hebrew word means to shake. The sistrum was generally about sixteen or eighteen inches long, occasionally inlaid with silver, and being held upright, was shaken, the rings moving to and fro on the bars.
Further particulars concerning some of these may be found under the names they severally bear in our English Bible.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And his brother's name was Jubal; of him came all that exercise themselves on the harp and on the organs.
And his brother's name was Jubal; of him came all that exercise themselves on the harp and on the organs.
And his brother's name was Jubal; of him came all that exercise themselves on the harp and on the organs.
Then said Laban to Jacob, "Why hast thou this done, unknowing to me, and hast carried away my daughters as though they had been taken captive with sword? Wherefore wentest thou away secretly, unknown to me, and didst not tell me, that I might have brought thee on the way with mirth, singing, timbrels and harps,
Wherefore wentest thou away secretly, unknown to me, and didst not tell me, that I might have brought thee on the way with mirth, singing, timbrels and harps,
And Miriam, a prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women came out after her with timbrels in a dance. And Miriam sang before them, "Sing ye unto the LORD, for he is become glorious indeed! The horse and his rider hath he overthrown in the sea!"
And beneath upon the hem, thou shalt make pomegranates of Jacincth, of scarlet, and of purple round about the hem,
Also, when ye be merry in your feast days and in the first days of your months, ye shall blow the trumpets over your burnt sacrifices and peaceofferings, that it may be a remembrance of you before your God. I am the LORD your God."
And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. And the seventh day, ye shall compass the city seven times and the priests shall blow with their trumpets. And when there is a long blast blown with the ram's horn, as soon as ye hear the sound of the horn, let all the people shout a mighty shout. And then shall the walls of the city fall down, and the people shall ascend up, every man straight before him."
After that, thou shalt come to the hill of God, where the Philistines keep their watch. And when thou art come thither to the city thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the hill, with a psaltery, a timbrel, a pipe, and a harp before them; and they prophesying.
After that, thou shalt come to the hill of God, where the Philistines keep their watch. And when thou art come thither to the city thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the hill, with a psaltery, a timbrel, a pipe, and a harp before them; and they prophesying.
Let our lord therefore command his servants to seek a man that is a cunning player with a harp. And then when the evil spirit sent of God cometh upon thee, that he may play with his hand and thou shalt be eased."
And when the spirit of God came upon Saul, David took a harp and played with his hand, and so Saul was refreshed, and did amend; and the evil spirit departed from him.
And it happened as they went, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that women came out of all cities of Israel singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with fiddles.
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD with all manner instruments of fir wood - with harps, psalteries, timbrels, fiddles and cymbals.
I am this day four score year old: and therefore can not discern savoury from unsavoury, neither hath thy servant pleasure in that he eateth or drinketh: nor yet delectation in the songs of men or women. It is no need that thy servant be a burden unto my lord the king:
And Zadok the priest took a horn of oil out of the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew a trumpet, and they all said, "God save king Solomon!" And all the people came up after him piping with pipes and rejoicing greatly, so that the earth rang with the sound of them.
And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, with singing, harps, psalteries, timbrels and trumpets.
And David spake to the chief heads of the Levites, that they should appoint of their brethren to sing with instruments of music: psalteries, harps and cymbals that sounded, and to sing on high with Joyfulness. And the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel: and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Barachiah. And of the sons of Merari, their brethren: Ethan the son of Kushaiah. read more. And with them their brethren of the second degree: Zachariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Uri, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah; Obededom and Jeiel, porters. Heman, Asaph and Ethan sang with cymbals of brass to make a sound. And Zachariah, Uzziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah and Benaiah sang with psalteries on an Alamoth. And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obededom, Jeiel, and Azaziah sang with harps an eight above to courage with all. And Chenaniah the chief of the Levites was master of the song and taught to sing, for he was a man of understanding. And Barachiah and Elkanah kept the door of the Ark. And Shebaniah, Jehoshaphat, Nathaniel, Amasai, Zachariah, Benaiah and Eliezer, priests, were blowers with trumpets before the Ark of God. And Obededom and Jehiah were keepers of the door of the Ark. And David and the elders of Israel and the Captains over thousands went to fetch the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with gladness. And when God had helped the Levites that bare the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, they offered seven oxen and seven rams. And David had on him an alb of bysse, and so had the Levites that bare the Ark, and so had the singers, and Chenaniah the ruler of the song and of the singers. And David had moreover upon him an Ephod of linen. And all Israel brought the Ark of the LORD's covenant with shouting and blowing of horns, and with trumpets and cymbals that sounded, and with psalteries and harps.
And they set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, psalteries and harps according to the commandments of David and of Gad the king's seer of visions and of Nathan the prophet. For so was the commandment of the LORD through the hand, of his prophets.
beside their servants and maidens, of whom there were seven thousand, three hundred and seven and thirty. And they had two hundred singing men and women,
Beside their servants and maidens, of whom there were seven thousand, three hundred and seven and thirty. And they had two hundred and seven and forty singing men and women,
{To the Chanter upon Gittith, a Psalm of David} O LORD our governour; how excellent is thy name in all the world; thou hast set thy glory above the heavens!
Who is this King of glory? Even the LORD of Hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Who is this King of glory? Even the LORD of Hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Who is this King of glory? Even the LORD of Hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Praise the LORD with harp; sing psalms unto him with the lute and instrument of ten strings.
{To the Chanter, upon Mahalath, an instruction of David} The foolish bodies say in their hearts, "Tush, there is no God." Corrupt are they, and become abominable in their wickednesses, there is not one that doeth good.
{To the Chanter, upon Gittith, of Asaph} Sing merrily unto God, our strength; make a cheerful noise unto the God of Jacob.
{Upon Gittith, a Psalm of the sons of Korah} O how amiable are thy dwellings, thou LORD of Hosts!
O LORD God of Hosts, blessed is the man that putteth his trust in thee.
{A Psalm and song of the sons of Korah, to the Chanter upon Mahalath, to give thanks, an Instruction of Heman the Ezrahite} O LORD God my Savior, I have cried day and night before thee;
For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy works; and I will rejoice over the operation of thy hands.
Praise him in the cymbals and dances; praise him upon the strings and pipe. Praise him upon the well-tuned cymbals; praise him upon the loud cymbals.
But ye shall sing, as the use is in the night of the holy solemnity. Ye shall rejoice from your heart, as they that come with the pipe, when they go up to the mount of the LORD, unto the rock of Israel.
that when ye hear the noise of the trumpets, which shall be blown, with harps, shawmes, Psalteries, Symphonies and all manner of Music: ye fall down and worship the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.
that when ye hear the noise of the trumpets, which shall be blown, with harps, shawmes, Psalteries, Symphonies and all manner of Music: ye fall down and worship the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.
Therefore, when all the folk heard the noise of the trumpets, that were blown, with the harps, shawmes, Psalteries, Symphonies and all kind of Melody: then all the people, kindreds and nations fell down, and bowed themselves unto the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Therefore, when all the folk heard the noise of the trumpets, that were blown, with the harps, shawmes, Psalteries, Symphonies and all kind of Melody: then all the people, kindreds and nations fell down, and bowed themselves unto the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Thou being king hast given a commandment, that all men when they hear noise of the trumpets, harps, shawmes psalteries, symphonies and all the other melodies: shall fall down and bow themselves toward the golden Image.
Well, be ready hereafter, when ye hear the noise of the trumpets blow with the harps, shawmes psalteries, symphonies and all the other melodies: that ye fall down, and worship the Image which I have made. But if ye worship it not, ye shall be cast immediately in to a hot burning oven. Let's see what God is there, that may deliver you out of my hands!"
Easton
Jubal was the inventor of musical instruments (Ge 4:21). The Hebrews were much given to the cultivation of music. Their whole history and literature afford abundant evidence of this. After the Deluge, the first mention of music is in the account of Laban's interview with Jacob (Ge 31:27). After their triumphal passage of the Red Sea, Moses and the children of Israel sang their song of deliverance (Ex 15).
But the period of Samuel, David, and Solomon was the golden age of Hebrew music, as it was of Hebrew poetry. Music was now for the first time systematically cultivated. It was an essential part of training in the schools of the prophets (1Sa 10:5; 19:19-24; 2Ki 3:15; 1Ch 25:6). There now arose also a class of professional singers (2Sa 19:35; Ec 2:8). The temple, however, was the great school of music. In the conducting of its services large bands of trained singers and players on instruments were constantly employed (2Sa 6:5; 1Ch 15; 16; 23:5; 25:1-6).
In private life also music seems to have held an important place among the Hebrews (Ec 2:8; Am 6:4-6; Isa 5:11-12; 24:8-9; Ps 137; Jer 48:33; Lu 15:25).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And his brother's name was Jubal; of him came all that exercise themselves on the harp and on the organs.
Wherefore wentest thou away secretly, unknown to me, and didst not tell me, that I might have brought thee on the way with mirth, singing, timbrels and harps,
After that, thou shalt come to the hill of God, where the Philistines keep their watch. And when thou art come thither to the city thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the hill, with a psaltery, a timbrel, a pipe, and a harp before them; and they prophesying.
And it was told Saul, saying, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." Then Saul sent messengers to fetch David. And when they saw a company of prophets prophesying and Samuel standing fast by them, the spirit of God fell upon the messengers of Saul, and they prophesied too. read more. And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers yet again the third time which prophesied also. Then went he himself to Ramah, and when he came to a great well that is in Secu, he asked and said, "Where are Samuel and David?" And they said, "See, they be at Naioth in Ramah." And as he went thither to Naioth in Ramah the spirit of God came upon him also and he went prophesying, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. And he stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and fell naked all that day and all that night, wherefore it is a common saying, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD with all manner instruments of fir wood - with harps, psalteries, timbrels, fiddles and cymbals.
I am this day four score year old: and therefore can not discern savoury from unsavoury, neither hath thy servant pleasure in that he eateth or drinketh: nor yet delectation in the songs of men or women. It is no need that thy servant be a burden unto my lord the king:
I gathered silver and gold together, even a treasure of kings and lands. I provided me singers and women which could play of instruments, to make man mirth and pastime. I gat me drinking cups also and glasses.
I gathered silver and gold together, even a treasure of kings and lands. I provided me singers and women which could play of instruments, to make man mirth and pastime. I gat me drinking cups also and glasses.
Woe unto them that rise up early to use themselves in drunkenness, and yet at night are more superfluous with wine. In those companies are harps and lutes, tabrets and pipes, and wine. But they regard not the work of the LORD, and consider not the operation of his hands.
The mirth of tabrets shall be laid down, the cheer of the joyful shall cease, and the pleasure of lutes shall have an end: there shall no more wine be drunk with mirth, the beer shall be bitter to them that drink it;
Mirth and cheer shall be taken away from the timber field, and from the whole land of Moab. There shall be no sweet wine in the press, the treader shall have no stomach to cry, yea there shall be none to cry unto him:
Ye that lie upon beds of ivory, and use your wantonness upon your couches; ye that eat the best lambs of the flock, and the fattest calves of the drove; ye that sing to the lute, and in playing of instruments compare yourselves unto David; read more. ye that drink wine out of goblets, and anoint yourselves with the best oil: but no man is sorry for Joseph's hurt.
The elder brother was in the field, and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard minstrelsy, and dancing,
Fausets
(For illustrations, see DANCE; DAVID; FLUTE; HARP; JEDUTHUN.) Its invention is due to a Cainite, Jubal son of Lamech, "father (first teacher) of all such as handle the harp (lyre) and organ" (pipe). "The lyre and flute were introduced by the brother of a nomadic herdsman (Jabal); it is in the leisure of this occupation that music is generally first exercised and appreciated" (Kalisch: Ge 4:21). "Mahalaleel," third from Seth, means "giving praise to God," therefore vocal music in religious services was probably earlier than instrumental music among the Cainites (Ge 5:12). Laban the Syrian mentions "songs, tabret (tambourine), and harp" (Ge 31:27); Job (Job 21:12) "the timbrel (tambourine), harp, and organ (pipe)". Instead of "they take," translated "they lift up (the voice)," as in Isa 42:11, to accompany "the tambourine," etc. (Umbrett.) Thus the "voice," stringed and wind instruments, include all kinds of music. The Israelite men led by Moses sang in chorus, and Miriam led the women in singing the refrain at each interval, accompanied by tambourine and dances (Ex 15:21).
Music rude and boisterous accompanied the dances in honor of the golden calf, so that Joshua mistook it for "the noise of war," "the voice of them that shout for the mastery and that cry for being overcome" (Ex 32:17-18). The triumphant shout of the foe in the temple is similarly compared to the joyous thanksgivings formerly offered there at solemn feasts, but how sad the contrast as to the occasion (La 2:7). The two silver trumpets were used by the priests to call an assembly, and for the journeying of the camps, and on jubilant occasion (Nu 10:1-10; 2Ch 13:12). (On the rams' (rather Jubilee) horns of Joshua 6, see HORNS.) The instruments at Nebuchadnezzar's dedication of his golden image were the "cornet," like the French horn; "flute" or pipe blown at the end by a mouthpiece; "sackbut," a triangular stringed instrument with short strings, in a high sharp key; "psaltery," a kind of harp; "dulcimer," a bagpipe, emitting a plaintive sound, a Hebraized Greek word, sumfonia (Da 3:4).
The schools of the prophets cultivated music as a study preparing the mind for receiving spiritual influences (1Sa 10:5; 19:19-20): at Naioth; also at Jericho (2Ki 2:5,7), "when the minstrel among Jehoshaphat's retinue played, the hand of Jehovah came upon Elisha" (2Ki 3:15); Gilgal (2Ki 4:38); Jerusalem (2Ki 22:14). "Singing men and women" were at David's court (2Sa 19:35), also at Solomon's (Ec 2:8; Gesenius translated for "musical instruments and that of all sorts," shiddah wishidot, "a princess and princesses".) They also" spoke of Josiah in their lamentations, and made them an ordinance in Israel" (2Ch 35:25).
Music was often introduced at banquets (Isa 5:12), "the harp and viol" (nebel, the "lute", an instrument with 12 strings), etc. (Lu 15:25.) Am 6:5; "chant (parat, 'mark distinct tones,' the Arabic root expresses an unmeaning hurried flow of rhythmical sounds without much sense, as most glees) to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music like David"; they fancy themselves David's equals In music (1Ch 23:5; Ne 12:36). He added to the temple service the stringed psaltery, kinor ("lyre"), and nebel ("harp"), besides the cymbals. These as distinguished from the trumpets were "David's instruments" (2Ch 29:25-26; 1Ch 15:16,19-21,24; 23:5). The age of Samuel, David, and Solomon was the golden one alike of poetry and of music. The Hebrew use of music was inspirational, curative, and festive or mournful. David's skill on the harp in youth brought him under Saul's notice, and he played away Saul's melancholy under the evil spirit (1Sa 16:16-23).
As David elevated music to the praise of God, so the degenerate Israelites of Amos' time degraded it to the service of their own sensuality (like Nero fiddling when Rome was in flames), yet they defended their luxurious passion for music by his example. Solomon's songs were a thousand and five (1Ki 4:32). In the procession accompanying the ark to Zion, the Levites led by Chenaniah, "master of the song," played cornets, trumpets, cymbals, psalteries, and harps, accompanying David's psalm composed for the occasion (1 Chronicles 15; 16; 2Sa 6:5). Of the 48,000 in the tribe 4,000 praised Jehovah on David's instruments (1Ch 23:5-6). Heman led the Kohathites, Asaph the Gershonites, and Ethan or Jeduthun the Merarites (1Ch 15:17; 25:1-8). The "cunning" or skilled musicians were 288: 24 courses, 12 in each, headed by the 24 sons of Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun.
The rest of the 4,000 were "scholars." David's chant (1Ch 16:34,41) was used for ages, and bore his name: at the consecration of Solomon's temple (2Ch 7:6); before Jehoshaphat's army when marching against the Ammonite invaders, to the thanksgiving is attributed God's giving of the victory, "when they began to sing and to praise, Jehovah set ambushments against ... Ammon" (2Ch 20:21-22), compare in Abijah's victory over Jeroboam the priests' sounding of trumpets (2Ch 13:12-22); at the laying the second temple's foundation (Ezr 3:10-11). Heman, Asaph, and Ethan played with cymbals of brass to mark the time the more clearly, while the rest played on psalteries and harps (1Ch 15:19; 16:5).
The "singers" went first, "the damsels with timbrels" in the middle, "the players on (stringed) instruments followed after" (Ps 68:25). In intelligent worship the word has precedence of ornamental accompaniments (1Co 14:15); music must not drown but be subordinate to the words and sense. Amos (Am 8:3) foretells the joyous "songs of the temple" should be changed into "howlings." In Ps 87:7 translated "the players on pipes" or "flutes" (Gesenius), but Hengstenberg, "dancers" (choleel); the future thanksgiving of the redeemed heathen (1Ki 1:40). Women were in the choir (1Ch 13:8; 25:5-6; Ezr 2:65). The priests alone blew the trumpets in the religious services (1Ch 15:24; 16:6), but the people also at royal proclamations (2Ki 11:14). A hundred and twenty priests blew the trumpets in unison with the Levite singers, in fine linen, at the dedication of Solomon's temple (2Ch 5:12-13; 7:6). So under Hezekiah in resanctifying the temple (2Ch 29:27-28).
As the temple, altar, and sacrifices were Jehovah's palace, table, and feasts, so the sacred music answers to the melody usual at kings' banquets. The absence of music such as accompanied bridal processions is made a feature of a curse being on the land (Isa 24:8-9; Jer 7:34; Eze 26:13). Judah's captors in vain called on her singers to sing her national melodies, "songs of Zion," in Babylon. She hung her harp on the willows of that marshy city, and abjured "mirth in a strange land" (Ps 137:2-4). Away from Zion, God's seat, they were away from joy. Love songs (Psalm 45 title) as well as professional mourners' (Am 5:16) dirges were composed. Harlots attracted men by songs to the guitar (Isa 23:15-16). (See MOURNING,) The grape was gathered and trodden with joyous song (Isa 16:10). (See HYMNS.)
Music, instrumental and vocal, was all in unison, not harmony, which was unknown to the ancients; the songs were all melodies, choral and antiphonal, as Moses' and Miriam's song, and Nehemiah's musicians in two responsive choirs at the dedication of the wall (Ne 12:40-42). For "instruments of music" (Da 6:18) translated "concubines." Xenophon's picture of Darius as addicted to wine and women, without self control, accords with Daniel's mention of his abstinence as something extraordinary. In Ps 45:8 Gesenius translated for "whereby" (mini), as in Ps 150:4), "out of the ivory palaces the stringed instruments make thee glad"; Hengstenberg shows this untenable, KJV is better. In 1Sa 18:6 "instruments of music," shalishim, is from shalowsh, "three," probably "triangles," invented in Syria (Athenaeus, Deipnos, 4:175).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And his brother's name was Jubal; of him came all that exercise themselves on the harp and on the organs.
Wherefore wentest thou away secretly, unknown to me, and didst not tell me, that I might have brought thee on the way with mirth, singing, timbrels and harps,
And Miriam sang before them, "Sing ye unto the LORD, for he is become glorious indeed! The horse and his rider hath he overthrown in the sea!"
And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, "There is a noise of war in the host." And he said, "It is not the cry of them that have the mastery, nor of them that have the worse: but I do hear the noise of singing."
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, "Make thee two trumpets of hard silver, that thou mayest use them to call the congregation together, and when the host shall journey. read more. When they blow with them, all the multitude shall resort to thee, unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. If but one trumpet blow only, then the princes which are heads over the thousands of Israel shall come unto thee. And when ye trump the first time, the hosts that lie on the east parts shall go forward. And when ye trump the second time, then the hosts that lie on the south side shall take their journey: for they shall trump when they take their journeys. And in gathering the congregation together, ye shall blow and not trump. And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets and shall have them and it shall be a law unto you forever and among your children after you. "And when ye shall go to war in your land against your enemies that vex you, ye shall trump with the trumpets and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. Also, when ye be merry in your feast days and in the first days of your months, ye shall blow the trumpets over your burnt sacrifices and peaceofferings, that it may be a remembrance of you before your God. I am the LORD your God."
After that, thou shalt come to the hill of God, where the Philistines keep their watch. And when thou art come thither to the city thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the hill, with a psaltery, a timbrel, a pipe, and a harp before them; and they prophesying.
Let our lord therefore command his servants to seek a man that is a cunning player with a harp. And then when the evil spirit sent of God cometh upon thee, that he may play with his hand and thou shalt be eased." And Saul said unto his servants, "Seek me a man that can well play, and bring him to me." read more. Then answered one of his servants and said, "Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that can play upon instruments, and is an active fellow and a man of war and prudent and well made, and the LORD is with him." Whereupon Saul sent messengers unto Jesse and said, "Send me David thy son which is with the sheep." And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a flacket of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. And David went to Saul and came before him, and he loved him very well; so that he was made his harness bearer. And Saul sent to Jesse saying, "Let David remain with me, for he hath found favour in my sight." And when the spirit of God came upon Saul, David took a harp and played with his hand, and so Saul was refreshed, and did amend; and the evil spirit departed from him.
And it happened as they went, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that women came out of all cities of Israel singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with fiddles.
And it was told Saul, saying, "Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah." Then Saul sent messengers to fetch David. And when they saw a company of prophets prophesying and Samuel standing fast by them, the spirit of God fell upon the messengers of Saul, and they prophesied too.
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD with all manner instruments of fir wood - with harps, psalteries, timbrels, fiddles and cymbals.
I am this day four score year old: and therefore can not discern savoury from unsavoury, neither hath thy servant pleasure in that he eateth or drinketh: nor yet delectation in the songs of men or women. It is no need that thy servant be a burden unto my lord the king:
And all the people came up after him piping with pipes and rejoicing greatly, so that the earth rang with the sound of them.
And Solomon wrote three thousand proverbs. And his songs were a thousand and five.
And the children of the Prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha and said unto him, "Art thou not aware that the LORD will take away thy master from thee this day?" And he answered, "I know it also; hold your peace."
And fifty men of the sons of the Prophets went and stood in sight afar off, as they two stood by Jordan.
But now bring me a minstrel. And as the minstrel played, the hand of the LORD was upon him.
When Elisha was come to Gilgal again, there was a dearth in the land, and the children of the prophets dwelt with him. Then he said to his servant, "Put on a great pot, and make pottage for the children of the prophets."
And when she saw the king stand by a pillar - as the manner was - and the singers and the trumpets by the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing, and the blowing of the trumpets, she rent her clothes and cried, "Treason! Treason!"
And Hilkiah the high priest and Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went unto Huldah the Prophetess, wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah the son of Harahas keeper of the robes - which Prophetess dwelt in Jerusalem in the second ward - and communed with her.
And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, with singing, harps, psalteries, timbrels and trumpets.
And the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel: and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Barachiah. And of the sons of Merari, their brethren: Ethan the son of Kushaiah.
And Shebaniah, Jehoshaphat, Nathaniel, Amasai, Zachariah, Benaiah and Eliezer, priests, were blowers with trumpets before the Ark of God. And Obededom and Jehiah were keepers of the door of the Ark.
even Asaph the chief, and next to him Zachariah then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obededom, and Jeiel with Psalteries and harps. But Asaph with sounding cymbals, and Benaiah and Jahaziel, priests, with trumpets; continually before the Ark of the covenant of God.
Thank the LORD for he is good, and his mercy lasteth ever!
And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and other that were chosen and named by name, to thank the LORD that his mercy lasteth ever.
Four thousand were porters and four thousand praised the LORD with such instruments as David had made to praise withal.
Four thousand were porters and four thousand praised the LORD with such instruments as David had made to praise withal. And David put an order among the children of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
And David and the captains of the host appointed out to do service, the sons of Asaph of Heman and Jeduthun, which did prophesy with harps, psalteries and cymbals. And they were numbered unto the work according to their office. The sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, Asharelah, to wait on Asaph which prophesied by the king. read more. The sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Hashabiah and Mattithiah-Shimei, six, at the hands of their fathers Jeduthun, with harps: which Jeduthun prophesied for to thank and praise the LORD. The sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamtiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir and Mahazioth. All these were of the sons of Heman the king's seer of visions with the word of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.
All these were of the sons of Heman the king's seer of visions with the word of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. All these were at the hand of their father to sing in the house of the LORD with cymbals, psalteries and harps in the service of the house of God. And at the hand of the king was Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman:
All these were at the hand of their father to sing in the house of the LORD with cymbals, psalteries and harps in the service of the house of God. And at the hand of the king was Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman: But the multitude of them were with their brethren that were cunning in the song of the LORD. And the number of all that taught, were two hundred and fourscore and eight. read more. And they cast Lots indifferently how they should wait: the small as well as the great, the scholar as well as the schoolmaster.
the Levites with all those that were under Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun, and among their children and brethren, were arrayed in bysse and sang with cymbals, psalteries, and harps standing East from the altar, and with them a hundred and twenty priests blowing trumpets. And the trumpet blowers and the singers so agreed, that it seemed but one voice in praising and thanking the LORD. And as the voice of the trumpets, cymbals and instruments of melody arose, and as they praised the LORD, how that he was good and that his mercy lasteth ever, the house of the LORD was filled with a cloud:
And the priests waited on their offices, and the Levites with instruments of music of the LORD which king David made to confess unto the LORD that his mercy lasteth ever, when David gave praise through their hands. And the priests blew trumpets fast by them: and all Israel stood.
And the priests waited on their offices, and the Levites with instruments of music of the LORD which king David made to confess unto the LORD that his mercy lasteth ever, when David gave praise through their hands. And the priests blew trumpets fast by them: and all Israel stood.
Moreover, see: God is with us in the forward; and his priests, and the roaring trumpets to cry alarm against you. Ye children of Israel, fight not with the LORD God of your fathers: for it will not prosper with you." But for all that, Jeroboam sent men privily above to come behind upon them: and so they were before Judah, and the layers in wait were behind them. read more. And when Judah turned and saw the battle behind and before, they cried unto the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets and the men of Judah gave a shout. And as the men of Judah shouted, God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. And the children of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into the hands of Judah. And Abijah and his people slew a great slaughter of them: so that there were stricken down dead of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men. And so the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed: because they leaned unto the LORD God of their fathers. And Abijah followed after Jeroboam and won certain cities from him: Bethel with the towns belonging thereto, and Jeshanah with the towns that belonged thereto, and Ephron with her towns. And Jeroboam recovered not strength again in the days of Abijah. And at the last, the LORD plagued him, that he died. And Abijah waxed mighty, and took him fourteen wives, and begat twenty two sons and sixteen daughters. The rest of the acts of Abijah and his ways and his doings are written in the story of the Prophet Iddo.
And he gave the people counsel, and set the singers of the LORD and them that praised in holy apparel, to go out before the army and to say, "Praise the LORD for his mercy lasteth ever." And what time they began to laud and praise, then the LORD set layers await against the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir,
And they set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, psalteries and harps according to the commandments of David and of Gad the king's seer of visions and of Nathan the prophet. For so was the commandment of the LORD through the hand, of his prophets. And so the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with trumpets. read more. And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD began, and the trumpets with the instruments of David king of Israel. And all the congregation bowed themselves, and the singers sang, and the trumpets blew, and continued until the burnt offering was finished.
And Jeremiah lamented Josiah, and all singing men and singing women speak of Josiah to this day, and made it an ordinance in Israel: and they be written in lamentations.
beside their servants and maidens, of whom there were seven thousand, three hundred and seven and thirty. And they had two hundred singing men and women,
And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their array, with trumpets, and the Levites, the children of Asaph, with cymbals; to praise the LORD, after the manner of David, king of Israel. And they sang together, giving praise and thanks unto the LORD; because he is gracious, and because his mercy endureth forever upon Israel. And all the people shouted loud in praising the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe before them,
and so stood the two choirs of thanksgiving of the house of God, and I and the half of the rulers with me, and the priests, namely Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets, read more. and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, and Jezrahiah was the overseer.
They bear with them tabrets and harps, and have instruments of music at their pleasure.
All thy garments smell of myrrh, aloes and cassia, when thou comest out of thine ivory palaces in thy beautiful glory.
The singers go before, the minstrels follow after; in the midst are the damsels playing with the timbrels.
The singers also and trumpeters shall he rehearse. All my fresh springs shall be in thee.
We hanged our harps upon the salon-trees, in the midst of it. For they that led us away captive required of us then a song, and melody in our heaviness. "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!" read more. How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?
Praise him in the cymbals and dances; praise him upon the strings and pipe.
I gathered silver and gold together, even a treasure of kings and lands. I provided me singers and women which could play of instruments, to make man mirth and pastime. I gat me drinking cups also and glasses.
In those companies are harps and lutes, tabrets and pipes, and wine. But they regard not the work of the LORD, and consider not the operation of his hands.
Mirth and cheer was gone out of the field and vineyards, insomuch that no man was glad nor sung. There went no treader into the winepress, their merry cheer was laid down.
After that, shall the seventy years of Tyre - even as long as their king's life was - be forgotten. And after seventy years, it shall happen to Tyre as with a harlot that playeth upon a lute. "Take thy lute," say men to her, "and go about the city, thou unknown wench: make pastime with sweet melody, whereby thou mayest be had in remembrance."
The mirth of tabrets shall be laid down, the cheer of the joyful shall cease, and the pleasure of lutes shall have an end: there shall no more wine be drunk with mirth, the beer shall be bitter to them that drink it;
Let the wilderness with her cities lift up her voice; the towns also that be in Cedar. Let them be glad that sit upon rocks of stone; and let them cry down from the high mountains
And as for the voice of mirth and gladness of the cities of Judah and Jerusalem; the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride: I will make them cease, for the land shall be desolate."
{Zayin} The LORD hath forsaken his own altar, and is wroth with his own sanctuary, and hath given the walls of their towers into the hands of the enemy. Their enemies made a noise in the house of the LORD, as it had been in a solemn feast day.
Thus will I bring the melody of thy songs, and the voice of thy minstrelsy to an end, so that they shall no more be heard.
the herald cried out with all his might, "O ye people, kindreds and tongues: to you be it said,
So the king went in to his palace, and kept him sober all night, so that there was no table spread before him, neither could he take any sleep.
"'If no,' sayeth the LORD God, the God of hosts, 'there shall be mourning in all streets. Yea, they shall say in every street: alas, alas. They shall call the husbandman to lamentation; and such as can mourn, to mourning.
ye that sing to the lute, and in playing of instruments compare yourselves unto David;
In that day shall the songs of the temple be turned in to sorrow," sayeth the LORD God. "Many dead bodies shall lie in every place, and be cast forth secretly.
The elder brother was in the field, and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard minstrelsy, and dancing,
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and will pray with the mind also. I will sing with the spirit, and will sing with the mind also.
Smith
Music.
1. The most ancient music. --The inventor of musical instruments, like the first poet and the first forger of metals, was a Cainite. We learn from
that Jubal the son of Lamech was "the father of all such as handle the harp and organ," that is, of all players upon stringed and wind instruments. The first mentioned of music in the times after the deluge is in the narrative of Laban's interview with Jacob,
so that, whatever way it was preserved, the practice of music existed in the upland country of Syria, and of the three possible kinds of musical instruments two were known and employed to accompany the song. The three kinds are alluded to in
On the banks of the Red Sea Moses and the children of Israel sang their triumphal song of deliverance from the hosts of Egypt; and Miriam, in celebration of the same event, exercised one of her functions as a prophetess by leading a procession of the women of the camp, chanting in chorus the burden of the song of Moses. The song of Deborah and Barak is cast in a distinctly metrical form, and was probably intended to be sung with a musical accompaniment as one of the people's songs. The simpler impromptu with which the women from the cities of Israel greeted David after the slaughter of the Philistines was apparently struck off on the spur of the moment, under the influence of the wild joy with which they welcomed their national champion. "the darling of the sons of Israel."
Up to this time we meet with nothing like a systematic cultivation of music among the Hebrews, but the establishment of the schools of the prophets appears to have supplied this want. Whatever the students of these schools may have been taught, music was an essential part of their practice. Professional musicians soon became attached to the court.
2. The golden age of Hebrew music. David seems to have gathered round him "singing men and singing women."
Solomon did the same,
adding to the luxury of his court by his patronage of art, and obtaining a reputation himself as no mean composer.
But the temple was the great school of music, and it was consecrated to its highest service in the worship of Jehovah. Before, however the elaborate arrangements had been made by David for the temple choir, there must have been a considerable body of musicians throughout the country.
(David chose 4000 musicians from the 38,000 Levies in his reign, or one in ten of the whole tribe. Of these musicians 288 were specially trained and skillful.
The whole number was divided into 24 courses, each of which would thus consist of a full band of 154 musicians, presided over by a body of 12 specially-trained leaders, under one of the twenty-four sons of Asaph, Heman or Jeduthun as conductor. The leaders appear to have played on the cymbals, perhaps to make the time.
All these joined in a special chant which David taught them, and which went by his name.
Women also took part in the temple choir.
These great choirs answered one to another in responsive singing; thus the temple music most have been grand and inspiring beyond anything known before that time.
3. Character of Hebrew music.--As in all Oriental nations, the music of the Hebrews was melody rather than harmony, which latter was then unknown. All old and young, men and maidens, singers and instruments, appear to have sung one part only in or in octaves. "The beauty of the music consisted altogether in the melody;" but this, with so many instruments and voices, was so charming that "the whole of antiquity is full of the praises of this music. By its means battles were won, cities conquered, mutinies quelled, diseases cured." --ED.)
4. Uses of music. --In the private as well as in the religions life of the Hebrews music held a prominent place. The kings had their court musicians,
and in the luxurious times of the later monarchy the effeminate gallants of Israel amused themselves with devising musical instruments while their nation was perishing ("as Nero fiddled while Rome was burning"). But music was also the legitimate expression of mirth and gladness The bridal processions as they passed through the streets were accompanied with music and song.
The music of the banquets was accompanied with song and dancing.
Lu 15:26
The triumphal processions which celebrated victory were enlivened by minstrels and singers.
There were also religious songs.
Love songs are alluded to; in
title, and Isai 5:1 There were also the doleful songs of the funeral procession, and the wailing chant of the mourners. The grape-gatherers sang at their work, and the women sang as they toiled at the mill, and on every occasion the land of the Hebrews during their national prosperity was a land of music and melody.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song unto the LORD, and said, "Let us sing unto the LORD, for he is become glorious, the horse and him that rode upon him hath he overthrown in the sea!
And Miriam, a prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women came out after her with timbrels in a dance.
Then Deborah, and Barak the son of Abinoam, sang the same day, saying,
Then Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house. And see, his daughter came out against him, with timbrels and dances, which was his only child: so that beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
And it happened as they went, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that women came out of all cities of Israel singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with timbrels, with joy, and with fiddles. And the women that played sang thereto, and said, "Saul hath slain his thousand, and David his ten thousand."
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD with all manner instruments of fir wood - with harps, psalteries, timbrels, fiddles and cymbals.
I am this day four score year old: and therefore can not discern savoury from unsavoury, neither hath thy servant pleasure in that he eateth or drinketh: nor yet delectation in the songs of men or women. It is no need that thy servant be a burden unto my lord the king:
And Solomon wrote three thousand proverbs. And his songs were a thousand and five.
And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, with singing, harps, psalteries, timbrels and trumpets.
even Asaph the chief, and next to him Zachariah then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obededom, and Jeiel with Psalteries and harps. But Asaph with sounding cymbals,
Four thousand were porters and four thousand praised the LORD with such instruments as David had made to praise withal.
All these were of the sons of Heman the king's seer of visions with the word of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. All these were at the hand of their father to sing in the house of the LORD with cymbals, psalteries and harps in the service of the house of God. And at the hand of the king was Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman:
And unto Shemaiah his son were sons born that ruled in the house of their father, for they were men of might. The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Raphael, Obed, and Elzabad and his brethren, men of activity, Elihu and Semachiah.
And Jeremiah lamented Josiah, and all singing men and singing women speak of Josiah to this day, and made it an ordinance in Israel: and they be written in lamentations.
They bear with them tabrets and harps, and have instruments of music at their pleasure.
{To the Chanter, upon Shoshannim, an instruction of the children of Korah; a song of love} My heart is inditing of a good matter; I speak the things which I have made unto the King. My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
I gathered silver and gold together, even a treasure of kings and lands. I provided me singers and women which could play of instruments, to make man mirth and pastime. I gat me drinking cups also and glasses.
I gathered silver and gold together, even a treasure of kings and lands. I provided me singers and women which could play of instruments, to make man mirth and pastime. I gat me drinking cups also and glasses.
But ye shall sing, as the use is in the night of the holy solemnity. Ye shall rejoice from your heart, as they that come with the pipe, when they go up to the mount of the LORD, unto the rock of Israel.
And as for the voice of mirth and gladness of the cities of Judah and Jerusalem; the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride: I will make them cease, for the land shall be desolate."
If any of you be evil vexed, let him pray. If any of you be merry, let him sing Psalms.
Watsons
MUSIC is probably nearly coeval with our race, or, at least, with the first attempts to preserve the memory of transactions. Before the invention of writing, the history of remarkable events was committed to memory, and handed down by oral tradition. The knowledge of laws and of useful arts was preserved in the same way. Rhythm and song were probably soon found important helps to the memory; and thus the muses became the early instructers of mankind. Nor was it long, we may conjecture, before dancing and song united contributed to festivity, or to the solemnities of religion. The first instruments of music were probably of the pulsatile kind; and rhythm, it is likely, preceded the observation of those intervals of sound which are so pleasing to the ear. The first mention of stringed instruments, however, precedes the deluge. Tubal, the sixth descendant from Cain, was "the father of all such as handle the harp and the organ." About five hundred and fifty years after the deluge, or B.C. 1800, according to the common chronology, both vocal and instrumental music are spoken of as things in general use: "And Laban said, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth and with songs, with tabret and with harp?" Ge 31:26-27.
Egypt has been called the cradle of the arts and sciences, and there can be no doubt of the very early civilization of that country. To the Egyptian Mercury, or Thoth, who is called Trismegistos, or "thrice illustrious," is ascribed the invention of the lyre, which had at first only three strings. It would be idle to mention the various conjectures how these strings were tuned, or to try to settle the chronology of this invention. The single flute, which they called photinx, is also ascribed to the Egyptians. Its shape was that of a horn, of which, no doubt, it was originally made. Before the invention of these instruments, as Dr. Burney justly observes, "music could have been little more than metrical, as no other instruments except those of percussion were known. When the art was first discovered of refining and sustaining tones, the power of music over mankind was probably irresistible, from the agreeable surprise which soft and lengthened sounds must have occasioned." The same learned writer has given a drawing, made under his own eye, of an Egyptian musical instrument, represented on a very ancient obelisk at Rome, brought from Egypt by Augustus. This obelisk is supposed to have been erected at Heliopolis, by Sesostris, near four hundred years before the Trojan war. The most remarkable thing in this instrument is, that it is supplied with a neck, so that its two strings were capable of furnishing a great number of sounds. This is a contrivance which the Greeks, with all their ingenuity, never hit upon. "I have never been able," says the doctor, "to discover in any remains of Greek sculpture, an instrument furnished with a neck; and Father Montfaucon says that in examining the representations of near five hundred ancient lyres, harps, and citharas, he never met with one in which there was any contrivance for shortening the strings during the time of performance, as by a neck and finger board." From the long residence of the Hebrews in Egypt, it is no improbable conjecture that their music was derived from that source. However that may be, music, vocal and instrumental, made one important part of their religious service. If the excellence of the music was conformable to the sublimity of the poetry which it accompanied, there would be no injustice in supposing it unspeakably superior. to that of every other people; and the pains that were taken to render the tabernacle and temple music worthy of the subjects of their lofty odes, leaves little doubt that it was so. That the instruments were loud and sonorous, will appear from what follows; but as the public singing was performed in alternate responses, or the chorus of all succeeded to those parts of the psalm which were sung only by the appointed leaders, instruments of this kind were necessary to command and control the voices of so great a number as was usually assembled on high occasions.
The Hebrews insisted on having music at marriages, on anniversary birth days, on the days which reminded them of victories over their enemies, at the inauguration of their kings, in their public worship, and when they were coming from afar to attend the great festivals of their nation, Isa 30:29. In the tabernacle and the temple, the Levites were the lawful musicians; but on other occasions any one might use musical instruments who chose. There was this exception, however: the holy silver trumpets were to be blown only by the priests, who, by the sounding of them, proclaimed the festival days, assembled the leaders of the people, and gave the signal for the battle and for the retreat, Nu 10:1-10. David, in order to give the best effect to the music of the tabernacle, divided the four thousand Levites into twenty-four classes, who sung psalms, and accompanied them with music. Each of these classes was superintended by a leader, placed over it; and they performed the duties which devolved upon them, each class a week at a time in succession, 1Ch 16:5; 23:4-5; 25; 2Ch 5:12-13. The classes collectively, as a united body, were superintended by three directors. This arrangement was subsequently continued by Solomon after the erection of the temple, and was transmitted till the time of the overthrow of Jerusalem. It was indeed sometimes interrupted, during the reign of the idolatrous kings, but was restored by their successors, 2Ch 5:12-14; 29:27; 35:15. It was even continued after the captivity, Ezr 3:10; 12/45/type/mstc'>Ne 12:45-47; 1 Mac. 4:54; 13:51. It should be remarked, however, that neither music nor poetry attained to the same excellence after the captivity as before that period.
There were women singers as well as men in the temple choir; for in the book of Ezra, among those who returned from the Babylonish captivity, there are said to have been two hundred, Ezr 2:65; and in Ne 7:67, we read of two hundred and forty-five singing men and women. The Jewish doctors will, indeed, by no means admit there were any female voices in the temple choir; and as for those ??????meshoreroth, as they are called in the Hebrew, they suppose them to be the wives of those who sung. Nevertheless, the following passage makes it evident that women, likewise, were thus employed: "God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters; and all these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God," 1Ch 25:5-6. Instrumental music was first introduced into the Jewish service by Moses; and afterward, by the express command of God, was very much improved with the addition of several instruments in the reign of David. When Hezekiah restored the temple service, which had been neglected in his predecessor's reign, "he set the Levites in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet; for so was the commandment of the Lord by his prophets," 2Ch 29:25.
The harp, ????, kinnor, was the most ancient of the class of stringed instruments, Ge 4:21. It was sometimes called ??????, or "eight stringed," 1Ch 15:21; Ps 6:1; 12:1; although, as we may gather from the coins or medals of the Maccabean age, there were some harps which were furnished with only three strings. The nablum or psaltery, ???????, ?????, ???, is first mentioned in the Psalms of David. In Ps 33:2; 144:9, it is called ???? "a ten-stringed instrument;" but in Ps 92:3, it is distinguished from it. Josephus assigns to it twelve strings, which, taken in connection with the fact above stated, leaves us to conclude that it sometimes had ten and sometimes twelve strings. It was not played with a bow or fret, but with the fingers: the act of playing it is expressed in Hebrew by the word
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And his brother's name was Jubal; of him came all that exercise themselves on the harp and on the organs.
And his brother's name was Jubal; of him came all that exercise themselves on the harp and on the organs.
Then said Laban to Jacob, "Why hast thou this done, unknowing to me, and hast carried away my daughters as though they had been taken captive with sword? Wherefore wentest thou away secretly, unknown to me, and didst not tell me, that I might have brought thee on the way with mirth, singing, timbrels and harps,
Wherefore wentest thou away secretly, unknown to me, and didst not tell me, that I might have brought thee on the way with mirth, singing, timbrels and harps,
And Miriam, a prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women came out after her with timbrels in a dance.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, "Make thee two trumpets of hard silver, that thou mayest use them to call the congregation together, and when the host shall journey. read more. When they blow with them, all the multitude shall resort to thee, unto the door of the tabernacle of witness. If but one trumpet blow only, then the princes which are heads over the thousands of Israel shall come unto thee. And when ye trump the first time, the hosts that lie on the east parts shall go forward. And when ye trump the second time, then the hosts that lie on the south side shall take their journey: for they shall trump when they take their journeys. And in gathering the congregation together, ye shall blow and not trump. And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets and shall have them and it shall be a law unto you forever and among your children after you. "And when ye shall go to war in your land against your enemies that vex you, ye shall trump with the trumpets and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies. Also, when ye be merry in your feast days and in the first days of your months, ye shall blow the trumpets over your burnt sacrifices and peaceofferings, that it may be a remembrance of you before your God. I am the LORD your God."
And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD with all manner instruments of fir wood - with harps, psalteries, timbrels, fiddles and cymbals.
And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obededom, Jeiel, and Azaziah sang with harps an eight above to courage with all.
even Asaph the chief, and next to him Zachariah then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obededom, and Jeiel with Psalteries and harps. But Asaph with sounding cymbals,
Of which twenty four thousand were set to further the work of the house of the LORD. And six thousand were officers and judges. Four thousand were porters and four thousand praised the LORD with such instruments as David had made to praise withal.
All these were of the sons of Heman the king's seer of visions with the word of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. All these were at the hand of their father to sing in the house of the LORD with cymbals, psalteries and harps in the service of the house of God. And at the hand of the king was Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman:
the Levites with all those that were under Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun, and among their children and brethren, were arrayed in bysse and sang with cymbals, psalteries, and harps standing East from the altar, and with them a hundred and twenty priests blowing trumpets. And the trumpet blowers and the singers so agreed, that it seemed but one voice in praising and thanking the LORD. And as the voice of the trumpets, cymbals and instruments of melody arose, and as they praised the LORD, how that he was good and that his mercy lasteth ever, the house of the LORD was filled with a cloud: read more. so that the priests could not endure to minister by the reason of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.
And they set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, psalteries and harps according to the commandments of David and of Gad the king's seer of visions and of Nathan the prophet. For so was the commandment of the LORD through the hand, of his prophets.
And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD began, and the trumpets with the instruments of David king of Israel.
And the singers the children of Asaph stood in their standing according to the commandment of David and Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun the king's seer of visions: and the porters waited at every gate, and might not depart from their service. But their brethren the Levites prepared for them.
beside their servants and maidens, of whom there were seven thousand, three hundred and seven and thirty. And they had two hundred singing men and women,
And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their array, with trumpets, and the Levites, the children of Asaph, with cymbals; to praise the LORD, after the manner of David, king of Israel.
Beside their servants and maidens, of whom there were seven thousand, three hundred and seven and thirty. And they had two hundred and seven and forty singing men and women,
that they stood and waited upon the office of their God, and the office of the purification. And the singers and porters stood after the commandment of David and of Solomon his son: for in the time of David and Asaph, were the chief singers founded, and the songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. read more. In the time of Zerubbabel, and Nehemiah, did all Israel give portions unto the singers and porters, every day his portion, and they gave things hallowed unto the Levites, and the Levites gave things that were sanctified, unto the children of Aaron.
He hath made me as it were a byword of the common people. I am his jesting stock among them.
They bear with them tabrets and harps, and have instruments of music at their pleasure.
{To the Chanter in Neginoth, a Psalm of David} Ponder my words, O LORD; consider my meditation.
{To the Chanter in Neginoth upon Sheminith, a Psalm of David} O LORD, rebuke me not in thine indignation, neither chasten me in thy displeasure.
{To the Chanter upon Sheminith, a Psalm of David} Help me, LORD, for there is not one godly man left: for the faithful are diminished from among the children of men.
Praise the LORD with harp; sing psalms unto him with the lute and instrument of ten strings.
upon an instrument of ten strings, upon the lute and with a song upon the harp.
I will sing a new song unto thee, O God, and sing praises unto thee upon a ten-stringed lute.
In those companies are harps and lutes, tabrets and pipes, and wine. But they regard not the work of the LORD, and consider not the operation of his hands.
But ye shall sing, as the use is in the night of the holy solemnity. Ye shall rejoice from your heart, as they that come with the pipe, when they go up to the mount of the LORD, unto the rock of Israel.
But ye shall sing, as the use is in the night of the holy solemnity. Ye shall rejoice from your heart, as they that come with the pipe, when they go up to the mount of the LORD, unto the rock of Israel.
Wherefore my heart mourneth for Moab, like a crowd playing a heavy song: and for the men's sake of the brick wall my heart mourneth also, even as a pipe that pipeth a doleful song. For they shall be very few, and destroyed.
Thou hast been in the pleasure garden of God; thou art decked with all manner of precious stones: with Ruby, Topaz, Crystal, Jacinth, Onyx, Jasper, Sapphire, Smaragdus, Carbuncle, and gold. Thy beauty and the holes that be in thee were set forth in the day of thy creation.
that when ye hear the noise of the trumpets, which shall be blown, with harps, shawmes, Psalteries, Symphonies and all manner of Music: ye fall down and worship the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.
that when ye hear the noise of the trumpets, which shall be blown, with harps, shawmes, Psalteries, Symphonies and all manner of Music: ye fall down and worship the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.
that when ye hear the noise of the trumpets, which shall be blown, with harps, shawmes, Psalteries, Symphonies and all manner of Music: ye fall down and worship the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up.
Therefore, when all the folk heard the noise of the trumpets, that were blown, with the harps, shawmes, Psalteries, Symphonies and all kind of Melody: then all the people, kindreds and nations fell down, and bowed themselves unto the golden Image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
Thou being king hast given a commandment, that all men when they hear noise of the trumpets, harps, shawmes psalteries, symphonies and all the other melodies: shall fall down and bow themselves toward the golden Image.
Thou being king hast given a commandment, that all men when they hear noise of the trumpets, harps, shawmes psalteries, symphonies and all the other melodies: shall fall down and bow themselves toward the golden Image.
Well, be ready hereafter, when ye hear the noise of the trumpets blow with the harps, shawmes psalteries, symphonies and all the other melodies: that ye fall down, and worship the Image which I have made. But if ye worship it not, ye shall be cast immediately in to a hot burning oven. Let's see what God is there, that may deliver you out of my hands!"
At that time shall the riding gear of the horses be holy unto the LORD, and the kettles in the LORD's house shall be like the basins before the altar: