Topical Bible: Music: Instruments of Made of Silver

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, silver is a metal often associated with purity, value, and divine service. Instruments made of silver hold a significant place in the worship practices and ceremonial functions of ancient Israel, as described in the Scriptures. These instruments were not only used for musical purposes but also served as tools for communication and religious expression.

Silver Trumpets

One of the most notable silver instruments mentioned in the Bible is the silver trumpet. In Numbers 10:1-2 , the LORD instructs Moses, "Make two trumpets of hammered silver to be used for calling the congregation and for having the camps set out." These trumpets were integral to the life of the Israelite community, serving multiple purposes such as summoning the assembly, signaling the breaking of camp, and sounding alarms during times of war (Numbers 10:3-9).

The silver trumpets were also used in religious ceremonies and festivals. Numbers 10:10 states, "When you enter into battle in your own land against an adversary who is oppressing you, you are to sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and delivered from your enemies." This highlights the spiritual significance of the trumpets, as they were believed to invoke divine remembrance and intervention.

Symbolism and Function

The use of silver in these instruments is symbolic of their sacred purpose. Silver, being a precious metal, underscores the value and purity required in items dedicated to the service of God. The craftsmanship involved in creating these instruments, as described in the command to make them of "hammered silver," suggests a level of artistry and dedication befitting objects used in divine worship.

In addition to their ceremonial use, silver instruments like the trumpets played a role in the broader cultural and social life of Israel. They were tools of communication, capable of conveying messages over long distances, and were essential in maintaining order and unity among the tribes.

Historical and Cultural Context

The use of silver instruments in ancient Israel reflects broader ancient Near Eastern practices, where metal instruments were common in both secular and sacred settings. However, the specific instructions given to the Israelites regarding the use of silver trumpets highlight a unique aspect of their covenant relationship with God. The trumpets were not merely musical instruments but were imbued with theological significance, serving as a means of connecting the people with the divine.

Conclusion

In summary, silver instruments in the Bible, particularly the silver trumpets, are emblematic of the intersection between worship, communication, and divine service. They illustrate the importance of music and sound in the religious life of ancient Israel and underscore the value placed on purity and craftsmanship in items dedicated to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 10:2
Make you two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shall you make them: that you may use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... and delivered the government to him, or not; for that he had made a splendid ... the
earth and the air echoed with the multitude of the instruments of music. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

The Story of the Fiery Furnace
... At one moment in the service before the image, all the trumpets sounded, the drums
were beaten, and music was made upon musical instruments of all ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the fiery.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... All things were made from forms and types which were in ... of special men, one is turned
to music, another to ... all, and each may be perfected instruments by which ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... on Mount Moriah was noiselessly upreared with "stone made ready before it ... up their
voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ...
... virgin souls, whose hearts have been washed in blood, and have been made white and
pure, bring forth your instruments of song ... "Hither, then, your music bring ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the memorable hymn and when.htm

The Fulfilment
... whips, and bundles of fagots; iron spikes, instruments of torture ... Thou hast stripped
me and made me see ... to strike together with keen and exquisitely fine music. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxiii the fulfilment.htm

The Lord Coming to his Temple
... psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of instruments (Daniel 3:5 ... same great truths, divested
of the music, when delivered ... among them, in a temple not made with hands ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iv the lord coming.htm

Visions of Future Glory
... and his idols of gold, which they made each one ... the sound of music there, and song,
such music and song ... well the singers as the players on instruments shall be ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

The Worship of the Church. The Religion of the Primitive ...
... eminent of the ancient fathers describes the music of the ... off from idols; but now,
instead of instruments, we may use ... one or other of the elders had made a few ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the worship of.htm

The True Christian Life
... over the congregation there came the music of his ... They made their way to Paris, where
she lost ... Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the true christian life.htm