Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "instrument" can refer to a variety of objects used for different purposes, including musical, agricultural, and ceremonial functions. Instruments are mentioned throughout the Scriptures, serving as tools for worship, work, and warfare.Musical Instruments Musical instruments play a significant role in biblical worship and celebration. The Psalms frequently mention instruments as a means to praise God. For example, Psalm 150:3-5 exhorts believers to "praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals." These verses highlight the diversity of instruments used in worship, emphasizing their importance in expressing joy and reverence toward God. The use of musical instruments is also evident in the temple worship established by King David. In 1 Chronicles 23:5 , it is noted that "four thousand are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise." This organized use of instruments underscores their integral role in the liturgical practices of ancient Israel. Agricultural and Work Instruments Instruments used for agriculture and work are also mentioned in the Bible. These tools were essential for the daily life and sustenance of the people. For instance, in Isaiah 28:27-28 , the prophet describes the use of various instruments in farming: "For caraway is not threshed with a sledge, nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin; but caraway is beaten out with a stick, and cumin with a rod. Grain for bread must be ground, but it is not endlessly threshed; though the wheels of the cart roll over it, the horses do not crush it." These verses illustrate the practical application of instruments in agricultural processes, highlighting the wisdom and care required in their use. Ceremonial and Symbolic Instruments Instruments also hold ceremonial and symbolic significance in the Bible. The shofar, or ram's horn, is one such instrument, used in various religious and military contexts. In Joshua 6:4-5 , the shofar plays a crucial role in the fall of Jericho: "Have seven priests carry seven rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. And when there is a long blast of the ram’s horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, each man straight ahead." The shofar's use in this narrative underscores its function as a divine instrument, symbolizing God's power and presence. Instruments of Warfare Instruments of warfare are also depicted in the Bible, often symbolizing strength and divine intervention. In Judges 7:16-20 , Gideon uses trumpets as part of his strategy against the Midianites: "He divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, with a torch inside. 'Watch me,' he told them, 'and do as I do. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’" This passage illustrates how instruments, in this case, trumpets, were used not only for communication but also as a means to invoke fear and confusion among enemies, demonstrating God's deliverance. In summary, instruments in the Bible serve multifaceted roles, from enhancing worship and facilitating work to symbolizing divine intervention and power. Their presence throughout Scripture reflects their importance in the cultural, religious, and daily life of the biblical world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) That by means of which any work is performed, or result is effected; a tool; a utensil; an implement; as, the instruments of a mechanic; astronomical instruments.2. (n.) A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument. 3. (n.) A writing, as the means of giving formal expression to some act; a writing expressive of some act, contract, process, as a deed, contract, writ, etc. 4. (n.) One who, or that which, is made a means, or is caused to serve a purpose; a medium, means, or agent. 5. (v. t.) To perform upon an instrument; to prepare for an instrument; as, a sonata instrumented for orchestra. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia INSTRUMENTin'-stroo-ment (keli; in Greek plural hopla, Romans 6:13): The word in the Old Testament is used for utensils for service, chiefly in connection with the sanctuary (compare Exodus 25:9 Numbers 4:12, 26, 32 1 Kings 19:21; 1 Chronicles 9:29 2 Chronicles 4:16, the King James Version); for weapons of war (1 Samuel 8:12 1 Chronicles 12:33, 17, etc.); notably for musical instruments. See MUSIC. The members of the body are described by Paul (Romans 6:13) as "instruments" to be used in the service of righteousness, as before they were in the service of unrighteousness. Greek 4716. stauros -- an upright stake, hence a cross (the Rom. ... ... instrument of crucifixion). Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: stauros Phonetic Spelling: (stow-ros') Short Definition: a cross Definition: a cross ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4716.htm - 8k 3696. hoplon -- a tool, implement, weapon 5567. psallo -- to pull, twitch, twang, play, sing 5495. cheir -- the hand 4632. skeuos -- a vessel, implement, pl. goods 5568. psalmos -- a striking (of musical strings), a psalm 4647. skolops -- anything pointed, spec. a stake, thorn 1271. dianoia -- the mind, disposition, thought 4972. sphragizo -- to seal 3356. metriopatheo -- to hold one's emotions in restraint Strong's Hebrew 1761. dachavah -- perhaps a musical instrument... dachavah. 1761a . perhaps a musical instrument. Transliteration: dachavah Phonetic Spelling: (dakh-av-aw') Short Definition: music. instrument of music ... /hebrew/1761.htm - 5k 3104. yobel -- a ram, ram's horn (a wind instrument) 5748. uggab -- (a reed musical instrument) perhaps a flute 5059. nagan -- to touch or play a stringed instrument 2757. charits -- a cut, thing cut, sharp instrument 5155. nechilah -- perhaps flute (a musical instrument). 5443. sabbeka -- trigon (a musical instrument) 4434. malkodeth -- a catching instrument, a snare, trap 1761a. dachavah -- perhaps a musical instrument 4115. mahpeketh -- stocks (instrument of punishment) Library Faith is not the Instrument of Justification. Its Instrument The Soul is not to be Disquieted, that is Sees it Self Encompassed ... He Refutes the Wicked and Blasphemous Notion of the Heretics who ... That the Form of Man was Framed to Serve as an Instrument for the ... The Old Testament is Properly one Thing --The Old Instrument ... Argument: the Religion of the Christians is Foolish, Inasmuch as ... First Tractate. Implanted Dispositions. Like one of Us. Thesaurus Instrument (45 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A contrivance or implement, by which musical sounds are produced; as, a musical instrument. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. INSTRUMENT. ... /i/instrument.htm - 22k Threshing-instruments (1 Occurrence) Psaltery (17 Occurrences) Cut (616 Occurrences) Tool (13 Occurrences) Dulcimer (3 Occurrences) Corded (37 Occurrences) Key (8 Occurrences) Knife (10 Occurrences) Fan (8 Occurrences) Resources What is a psalm? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jesus crucified on a cross, pole, or stake? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about health? | GotQuestions.org Instrument: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Instrument (45 Occurrences)Matthew 3:12 Luke 3:17 Acts 9:15 1 Corinthians 14:7 2 Timothy 2:21 Revelation 5:8 Genesis 4:22 Exodus 15:20 Exodus 20:25 Exodus 21:6 Exodus 32:4 Numbers 35:16 Numbers 35:18 Numbers 35:22 Deuteronomy 15:17 Deuteronomy 27:5 Joshua 8:31 1 Samuel 16:16 1 Samuel 16:23 1 Kings 6:7 1 Chronicles 12:37 Job 41:30 Psalms 8:1 Psalms 33:2 Psalms 43:4 Psalms 44:16 Psalms 60:12 Psalms 61:1 Psalms 81:1 Psalms 81:2 Psalms 84:1 Psalms 92:3 Psalms 98:5 Psalms 144:9 Isaiah 10:5 Isaiah 23:16 Isaiah 28:27 Isaiah 41:15 Isaiah 44:13 Isaiah 54:16 Isaiah 54:17 Jeremiah 51:20 Ezekiel 33:32 Amos 7:4 Zechariah 11:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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