Topical Bible: Music: Instruments of Made of Horns of Animals

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In the biblical context, musical instruments crafted from the horns of animals hold significant cultural and religious importance. These instruments, primarily the shofar, are mentioned in various passages throughout the Scriptures and are associated with worship, warfare, and significant religious events.

Shofar

The shofar is the most prominent horn instrument mentioned in the Bible. Made from the horn of a ram or other kosher animals, the shofar is a symbol of both divine intervention and human repentance. Its use is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and is still prevalent in modern religious practices.

The shofar is first mentioned in the context of the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:16 states, "On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled." The "trumpet blast" here is understood to be the sound of the shofar, signifying the presence of God and the seriousness of the covenant being established.

In the context of warfare, the shofar was used to signal the beginning of battle and to rally troops. One of the most famous biblical accounts involving the shofar is the Battle of Jericho. Joshua 6:4-5 describes the instructions given to Joshua: "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 also plays a crucial role in religious observances, particularly during the Jewish High Holy Days. Leviticus 23:24 commands, "Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly announced by trumpet blasts.'" This refers to the Feast of Trumpets, or Rosh Hashanah, where the shofar is sounded to mark the beginning of the Jewish New Year and to call the people to repentance.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The use of animal horns as musical instruments in the Bible is rich with symbolism. The ram's horn, in particular, is associated with the account of Abraham and Isaac, where a ram was provided as a substitute sacrifice (Genesis 22:13). This connection underscores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and divine provision.

The sound of the shofar is often described as a call to awaken the soul, to bring about spiritual renewal and repentance. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the need for His people to remain faithful and obedient to His commandments.

Conclusion

In summary, musical instruments made from the horns of animals, especially the shofar, hold a place of prominence in biblical history and tradition. They are not merely tools for making music but are imbued with deep spiritual and symbolic meaning, serving as instruments of worship, signals of divine presence, and calls to action and repentance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 6:8
And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken to the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Gods of Egypt
... with excitement, beating their breasts, sounding their instruments of music, and
striking with ... the female hippopotamus, with the Haunch is made quite clear ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... Some stringed instruments of music, and two ... chariots" Markabuti"with a reference
to the localities whore certain parts of them were made;"the country ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... as made of fire, while Michael was made of snow ... Angels had performed the music at
the first sacrifice of ... In general they are merely instruments blindly to do a ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... songs in which voices were accompanied by instruments, and taught ... placed beside it,
and semblance was made of opening ... The Followers of Horns, ie those who had ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... he became not only more stately, but the horns of the ... come to be destroyed, so he
shall be made a hand of; and that with such instruments and weapons of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... approve that alone which may be made to harmonize ... emotions of the soul become the
instruments of virtue or ... 1803] in them, the more irascible animals, under the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... by a shout and the tiny blast of rams'-horns (Joshua 6 ... Now this mountain, and wall,
was thus made out to ... 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 Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... xxviii.15), Eglon had made it his residence, which makes the story incomprehensible ...
power of Jahveh, who was accustomed to choose His instruments from amongst ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm