Lexical Summary mashroqi: Whistle, pipe Original Word: מַשְׁרוֹקִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flute (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to sharaq; a (musical) pipe (from its whistling sound) -- flute. see HEBREW sharaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to sharaq Definition a (musical) pipe NASB Translation flute (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַשְׁרוֺקִי] noun feminine pipe (compare Syriac (rare)); — emphatic מַשְׁרוֺקִיתָא Daniel 3:5,7,15, ׳מַשְׁרֹק Daniel 3:10. Topical Lexicon Hebrew Term and Instrument Family מַשְׁרוֹקִי (mashroqî) designates a wind instrument, usually translated “pipe” or “flute.” It belongs to the family of reed or woodwind pipes that produce sound by the player’s breath passing through a narrow aperture. While similar instruments appear throughout the Ancient Near East, the biblical usage highlights a specific cultural setting in Babylon. Occurrences in Scripture The word appears only in Daniel 3:5, Daniel 3:7, Daniel 3:10, and Daniel 3:15. Each occurrence is embedded in the royal decree requiring every listener to fall down and worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image when “you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music” (Daniel 3:5). Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Babylonian courts employed elaborate musical ensembles for both civic and religious ceremonies. Archaeological finds, iconography, and cuneiform texts attest that flutes and double-pipes accompanied large orchestras in processions honoring deities or monarchs. The mashroqî, likely a reed flute carved from cane or wood, fit naturally into this orchestra. Its bright, penetrating tone could lead a procession or signal a moment of communal action, explaining its presence in the king’s syncretistic worship service. Role in the Narrative of Daniel 3 The mashroqî is listed among six other instruments that together create an atmosphere of overwhelming sensory compulsion. When the music sounded, the people “fell down and worshiped the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up” (Daniel 3:7). The term therefore functions literarily as part of the machinery of idolatry—an audible cue designed to synchronize the empire in false worship. Against this backdrop, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s refusal to bow (Daniel 3:16–18) shines more brightly, revealing faithful resistance amid cultural pressure. Theological Insights 1. Worship Directed by Command vs. Worship Born of Covenant The Babylonian decree harnesses music to enforce outward conformity. In contrast, biblical worship springs from covenant relationship and inner devotion (Psalm 40:8). The narrative warns that art forms can be co-opted for idolatry when detached from truth. 2. The Moral Neutrality of Instrumentation Scripture does not condemn the flute itself; Psalm 150:4 blesses the use of “flute” (ḥalil) in praise of the LORD. The ethical value of music lies in its purpose and object. The same breath-driven instrument can either exalt idols or exalt God. 3. Typology of the End-Time Image Revelation 13 describes an image empowered by the beast, urging the nations to worship. Daniel’s pipe-accompanied image foreshadows end-time pressures, reminding believers to heed the voice of God above the clamor of culture. Applications for Worship and Discipleship • Discernment in Artistic Expression—Church musicians should examine whether their art directs hearts toward Christ or merely entertains. Related Scriptures and Musical Imagery Genesis 4:21 – Jubal as “father of all who play the lyre and flute,” marking music as an early human vocation. Psalm 150:3–4 – Flutes listed among instruments praising God. Isaiah 30:29 – “You will have songs as in the night you celebrate a holy festival… and music of flutes,” picturing joyful worship. Revelation 18:22 – The cessation of flute music in fallen Babylon, contrasting with the false worship scene of Daniel 3. Summary מַשְׁרוֹקִי underscores how music, though a gracious gift, can be diverted toward idolatry. Its fourfold appearance frames a account of faithful resistance, urging every generation to ensure that the sounds filling their ears lead not to golden images but to the living God who alone is worthy of worship. Forms and Transliterations מַ֠שְׁרֹקִיתָא מַ֠שְׁרוֹקִיתָא מַשְׁר֨וֹקִיתָ֜א מַשְׁרוֹקִיתָ֣א משרוקיתא משרקיתא maš·rō·qî·ṯā maš·rō·w·qî·ṯā Mashrokita mašrōqîṯā mašrōwqîṯāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 3:5 HEB: קָ֣ל קַרְנָ֣א מַ֠שְׁרוֹקִיתָא [קִיתָרֹוס כ] NAS: of the horn, flute, lyre, KJV: of the cornet, flute, harp, INT: the sound of the horn flute harp trigon Daniel 3:7 Daniel 3:10 Daniel 3:15 4 Occurrences |
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