Topical Bible: Music: Instruments of Early Invention of

◄ Music: Instruments of Early Invention of ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible provides glimpses into the early invention and use of musical instruments, reflecting their significance in worship, celebration, and daily life. From the earliest chapters of Genesis, music is portrayed as an integral part of human culture and expression.

Genesis and the Line of Cain

The first mention of musical instruments in the Bible occurs in Genesis 4:21, where Jubal is identified as "the father of all who play the harp and flute." This passage suggests that the invention of musical instruments dates back to the antediluvian period, indicating their ancient origins. Jubal, a descendant of Cain, is credited with pioneering these instruments, highlighting the early human inclination towards music and creativity.

Instruments in Worship and Celebration

Throughout the Old Testament, musical instruments are frequently associated with worship and celebration. The Israelites used a variety of instruments in their religious practices, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In 2 Chronicles 5:12-13, the Levites are described as playing cymbals, harps, and lyres during the dedication of Solomon's Temple, creating a harmonious sound that accompanied their singing: "The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice."

The Psalms and Musical Instruments

The Book of Psalms, a central component of Israelite worship, often references musical instruments. Psalm 150:3-5 exhorts worshippers 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 clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals." This passage underscores the diversity of instruments used in praising God, reflecting their importance in expressing joy and reverence.

Prophetic and Royal Contexts

Musical instruments also appear in prophetic and royal contexts. In 1 Samuel 10:5, the prophet Samuel tells Saul that he will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with "harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres," prophesying as they go. This scene illustrates the role of music in prophetic activities and spiritual experiences.

King David, a skilled musician himself, played the harp to soothe King Saul (1 Samuel 16:23). David's establishment of organized musical worship, as described in 1 Chronicles 25:1-7, involved appointing Levites to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals, further institutionalizing the use of music in worship.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The early invention of musical instruments in biblical times reflects the broader cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East. Instruments such as the lyre, harp, and flute were common in neighboring cultures, suggesting a shared musical heritage. The Bible's references to these instruments highlight their role in both sacred and secular settings, emphasizing their enduring presence in human society.

In summary, the early invention of musical instruments as depicted in the Bible reveals their foundational role in worship, celebration, and cultural expression. From the lineage of Jubal to the organized worship of King David, these instruments have been integral to the spiritual and communal life of God's people.

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

The Revelation
... He heard the music of the heavenly angels and the ... They are but instruments in His
hands, and all the good ... Early in the history of the church the mystery of ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 57 the revelation.htm

Chapter iv
... many of the names of these early days may ... instruments, the other, all kinds of
instruments and utensils ... Music, for example, carries many elements in itself that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

Notes
... sowing comes; there are sharp threshing instruments [for the ... upon what was the great
difficulty to early Hebrew thinkers ... and all the daughters of music shall be ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/notes.htm

Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ...
... force, evident as it was in the early ages of ... and worked upon by cries, drums, music,
and shining ... one's whole life to constructing these instruments of butchery ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter viii doctrine of non-resistance.htm

Concerning Worship.
... spiritual worship of God hath been so early lost, and ... which the devil and all his
instruments can never ... the more fertile and strong a man's invention is, and ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... history"The beginnings of its early history vague ... Callisthenes, who attributes their
invention to Nectanebo ... voices were accompanied by instruments, and taught ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Homiletical.
... great is the importance, alike in music and in ... wrenched upon the rack; let the
instruments of torture ... publishing verses which formed no unworthy early link in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... with excitement, beating their breasts, sounding their instruments of music, and
striking ... have as yet been found prove that these early inhabitants were ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... ministers; but from the testimony of Bunyan, and that of the early Quakers, they ...
from rejecting of me, as I found afterwards, that there was music and dancing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Holy War,
... when the trumpeters made their best music, in the ... no fire and arrows, but other
instruments much more ... great and precious promises to the early prophets, who ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm