Topical Bible: Music: Early Invention of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The early invention of music is a topic that finds its roots in the biblical narrative, particularly within the book of Genesis. Music, as an art form, is deeply embedded in the fabric of human culture and worship, and its origins are traced back to the antediluvian period.

Biblical Reference:

The first explicit mention of music in the Bible is found in Genesis 4:21, which introduces Jubal as a pioneer in the development of musical instruments: "His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute" . This passage identifies Jubal, a descendant of Cain, as a significant figure in the early history of music, suggesting that the creation and playing of musical instruments were established practices even in the earliest human societies.

Cultural and Religious Context:

In the ancient world, music was not merely an entertainment medium but was integral to religious and communal life. The biblical account of Jubal indicates that music was an important aspect of early human culture, likely used in both secular and sacred contexts. The harp and flute, mentioned in Genesis, are indicative of string and wind instruments, respectively, suggesting a diversity of musical expression from the outset.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the invention of music can be seen as part of God's creative order. Music, like other forms of art, reflects the creativity endowed by God to humanity, allowing for expression, communication, and worship. The Bible frequently associates music with worship and praise, as seen in numerous Psalms where instruments are used to glorify God (e.g., Psalm 150).

Historical Development:

While the Bible does not provide a detailed account of the development of music, the mention of Jubal as the "father" of musicians implies a lineage or tradition of musical innovation and instruction. This suggests that music was a skill passed down through generations, evolving over time. The early invention of music laid the groundwork for the rich musical traditions that would later emerge in Israelite worship, including the use of choirs, orchestras, and various instruments in temple services.

Significance in Worship:

Music's role in worship is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. The early invention of music, as attributed to Jubal, underscores its enduring significance in the life of faith communities. Music serves as a vehicle for expressing devotion, lament, and joy, and it plays a crucial role in the liturgical practices of the Israelites, as evidenced by King David's organization of temple musicians (1 Chronicles 25:1-7).

In summary, the early invention of music, as recorded in the Bible, highlights its foundational place in human history and its profound impact on religious expression. The biblical narrative presents music as a divine gift, integral to worship and community life, with roots that trace back to the earliest chapters of human existence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 4:21
And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Note
... melodies, which were composed before the invention of any ... part settings of any of
these early tunes calls ... that Palestrina had never heard any music that was ...
/.../bridges/a practical discourse on some principles of hymn-singing/note.htm

Hymns of Praise and Worship.
... His invention was inexhaustible. ... Early, my God, without delay I haste to seek Thy
face, My thirsty ... very old men and women, who sang the fugue music of Morgan's ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter i hymns of praise.htm

Introduction.
... his fathers, the youthful poet took an early and an ... 'The essence of poetry is invention;
such invention as, by ... for the influence of rhetoric and music"if not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/introduction.htm

Old Revival Hymns.
... In the early days of New England, before the Indian ... The fact that minor music is
the natural Indian tone ... after every stop until his memory or invention gave out ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter vii old revival hymns.htm

The Shadow of Disappointment.
... of the world, from the reservoirs of their sanguine invention. ... She has shared our
early struggles, and tempered our ... she whose voice, sweet with the music of old ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the shadow of disappointment.htm

The Security of the Church
... at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens ... dare not tell you with what vices the early
Christians were ... 4. The craftiest invention of the devil, with which he seeks ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the security of the church.htm

The Mustard Seed: a Sermon for the Sabbath-School Teacher
... make another which can supplant it, for you cannot put life into your invention. ...
music! ... It is early morning, the sun is scarcely up"what torrents of song! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mustard seed a sermon.htm

The Revelation
... contemplation of pleasing fables of man's invention, occupied time ... He heard the music
of the heavenly angels and ... Early in the history of the church the mystery ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 57 the revelation.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... the Gentiles and among their rulers as a strain of music in the ... But the Greek text
did not profit by the invention of printing in its early stage, nor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

Some Hymns of Great Witnesses.
... Besides, before the invention of printing had been perfected and ... Hymn," the title
by which the music is still ... It was not until early in the last century that ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ii some hymns of.htm