Topical Bible: Music: Instruments of Sackbut, a Harp

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Sackbut

The sackbut is an ancient musical instrument mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the Babylonian Empire. It is often associated with the worship practices and ceremonies of King Nebuchadnezzar's court. The term "sackbut" is found in the Book of Daniel, where it is listed among the instruments used in the grand orchestra that accompanied the worship of the golden image set up by Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 3:5 states: "As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up."

The sackbut is believed to be a type of wind instrument, possibly similar to a trombone or a primitive form of a trumpet. Its inclusion in the list of instruments highlights the diversity and richness of the musical culture in ancient Babylon. The use of such instruments in worship and royal ceremonies underscores the importance of music in expressing reverence and allegiance, albeit in this context, to a pagan idol.

Harp

The harp is one of the most frequently mentioned musical instruments in the Bible and holds a significant place in the worship and cultural life of ancient Israel. It is often associated with King David, who was renowned for his skillful playing of the harp. The harp is mentioned in various contexts, from personal devotion to public worship. In 1 Samuel 16:23 , it is recorded: "And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play, and relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him."

The harp was used in temple worship, as seen in the Psalms, which frequently call for the use of the harp in praising God. Psalm 33:2 exhorts: "Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings." The harp's soothing and melodic sound made it an ideal instrument for both personal reflection and communal worship.

In the biblical narrative, the harp symbolizes joy, worship, and the divine presence. Its use by David, a man after God's own heart, and its frequent mention in the Psalms, highlight its role in fostering a deep connection with God through music. The harp's enduring legacy in biblical history reflects the broader significance of music as a means of expressing faith, devotion, and the human experience of the divine.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 3:5,7,10,15
That at what time you hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Lord Coming to his Temple
... they set his message likewise to music; and this ... the sound of cornet, flute, harp,
sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of instruments (Daniel 3:5 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iv the lord coming.htm

"The Sun of Righteousness"
... apples in his road, but he does not observe them; they may sound harp and sackbut
to the right, and breathe the lute or sweeter instruments of music to the left ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sun of righteousness.htm

Three Names High on the Muster-Roll
... by the strains from those varied instruments of music ... Greece, and Babylon, when all
the music of the ... buy anybody, when the flute, harp, sackbut, dulcimer, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/three names high on the.htm

An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience...
... the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer ... melody of every
kind of music," saith he ... our bodily members into instruments of righteousness ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iv an exhortation to.htm

His Name --Wonderful!
... By the music of flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of instruments? No.
How then? By riches? By fame? By wealth? Ah, no. By a strong mind? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namewonderful.htm

Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude.
... themselves to him, and yielding up their members to be instruments of his ... Must we
always hear the sackbut? ... he had much of a voice, or an ear for music, but his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/knowledge worship gratitude.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... my book, and touch these strings, Which, if but touch'd, will such music make, They ...
her husband in a place of bliss, among many immortals, with a harp in his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm