Lexical Summary sabbeka: Harp, lyre, or stringed instrument Original Word: סַבְּכָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sackbut (Aramaic) or sabbka: (Aramaic) {sab-bek- aw'}; from a root corresponding to cabak; a lyre -- sackbut. see HEBREW cabak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to sabak Definition trigon (a musical instrument) NASB Translation trigon (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׂבְּכָא ( > van d. H. ׳ס, see Baer) noun [masculine] trigon, musical instrument (whence probably Greek σαμβύκη, triangular instrument with (four strings, see Thes LewyFremdw. 161 f. PrinceEB 3238 DrDaniel 3:5; also Biblical Hebrew שׂבָכָה lattice-work, √ שׂבך, compare Syriac Topical Lexicon Definition and Identification סַבְּכָא (sabbəḵāʾ) designates a stringed musical instrument included in King Nebuchadnezzar’s ceremonial orchestra (Daniel 3). Most scholars relate the word to the Greek sambýkē, a small, triangular harp- or lyre-like zither whose high-pitched tone complemented larger harps in Mesopotamian and later Hellenistic ensembles. Others have proposed a primitive bagpipe, yet the weight of linguistic and comparative evidence favors a plucked or strummed string instrument. Its construction may have featured a wooden frame with gut or metal strings stretched across a soundboard, producing bright, penetrating notes suitable for open-air proclamation. Occurrences in Scripture Daniel 3 records four appearances, each within the list of instruments signaling compulsory worship of the golden image: Parallel wording follows in Daniel 3:7, 3:10, and 3:15. Historical Setting Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon (early sixth century BC) boasted a cosmopolitan culture that readily absorbed musical influences from conquered peoples. Royal decrees employed music to dramatize imperial power; an orchestra featuring the sabbeka would resonate across the Dura Plain, drawing attention and enforcing conformity. Contemporary cylinder seals and reliefs depict lyre-players in procession, showing that such instruments were integral to state ceremonies. Role in the Narrative The sabbeka is not highlighted for its musical quality but for its function in an idolatrous liturgy. Together with the horn, flute, lyre, harp, and pipes, it created a sensory catalyst aimed at compelling universal homage to the image. By refusing to bow despite the repeated blasts of these instruments, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrated that true worship cannot be coerced by cultural spectacle or civil authority (Daniel 3:16-18). Theological Significance 1. Contest of Allegiances: The sabbeka’s music marked the moment of decision—bow or burn. The clash between human decree and divine command underscores Scripture’s consistent witness that worship belongs exclusively to the LORD (Exodus 20:3-5; Matthew 4:10). Ministry Applications • Discernment in Worship: Music is a powerful servant but a poor master. Churches should ensure that instrumentation directs hearts to Christ, not to spectacle (Colossians 3:16). Archaeological and Literary Notes Ancient writers such as Athenaeus describe the sambýkē as a triangular harp imported from the East. Neo-Assyrian reliefs display similar instruments held upright, supporting the identification. The term survived into later Aramaic dialects, suggesting widespread use across the Near East. Christological Reflection The fiery furnace episode, punctuated by the sabbeka’s summons, prefigures Christ’s ultimate deliverance. Just as a fourth figure “like a son of the gods” walked with the three men amid the flames (Daniel 3:25), so the incarnate Son rescues His people from the penalty of sin and empowers them to resist idolatry (Romans 8:2). Related Topics Music in Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5:12-13; Psalm 150. Imperial Idolatry: Exodus 32; Revelation 13. Faith under Trial: Hebrews 11:32-34; James 1:2-4. Forms and Transliterations סַבְּכָ֤א סבכא שַׂבְּכָ֡א שַׂבְּכָ֤א שַׂבְּכָא֙ שבכא sab·bə·ḵā śab·bə·ḵā sabbeCha sabbəḵā śabbəḵāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 3:5 HEB: (קַתְרֹ֨וס ק) סַבְּכָ֤א פְּסַנְתֵּרִין֙ סוּמְפֹּ֣נְיָ֔ה NAS: flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe KJV: harp, sackbut, psaltery, INT: flute harp trigon psaltery bagpipe Daniel 3:7 Daniel 3:10 Daniel 3:15 4 Occurrences |
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