The term "viols" refers to a type of musical instrument mentioned in the context of biblical worship and celebration. In the Bible, viols are often associated with joy, festivity, and sometimes excess. The viol is generally understood to be a stringed instrument, akin to a lyre or harp, used in ancient Israelite music.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 5:12 : "They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines, flutes, and wine, but they disregard the deeds of the LORD and fail to consider the work of His hands." In this passage, the viol is implied as part of the musical ensemble used during feasts and celebrations. The context suggests a warning against indulgence and neglect of spiritual duties.

2. Amos 6:5 : "You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments." While the term "viol" is not explicitly used in this translation, the reference to musical innovation and the creation of instruments highlights the cultural significance of music, including stringed instruments, in Israelite society.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, music played a vital role in both religious and secular life. Stringed instruments like the viol were integral to worship in the Temple, as well as in royal courts and public celebrations. The viol, similar to the lyre or harp, would have been crafted from wood and strung with gut or other materials, producing a melodious sound suitable for accompaniment and solo performances.

The use of viols in biblical times reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern musical traditions, where music was a key component of cultural expression. Instruments were often used to enhance the emotional and spiritual atmosphere of an event, whether in worship, celebration, or mourning.

Theological Implications:

The mention of viols in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for the tension between earthly pleasures and spiritual responsibilities. While music is a gift from God and a means of expressing joy and worship, the biblical narrative warns against allowing such pleasures to distract from one's devotion to God. The prophets, like Isaiah and Amos, frequently admonished the Israelites for their tendency to prioritize revelry over righteousness.

In a broader theological sense, the viol symbolizes the beauty and creativity inherent in God's creation, as well as the potential for human misuse of divine gifts. The call to balance enjoyment of God's blessings with a commitment to His commandments is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

Conclusion:

The viol, as a biblical instrument, represents both the joy of music and the caution against excess. Its presence in Scripture invites reflection on the role of music in worship and the importance of aligning one's heart with God's purposes.

On the Immeasurable Joys of Heaven.
... of summer, here sunny meads of May, here the very valley of bliss, here the glad
moments are seen flitting from joy to joy; here harps and viols, here singing ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xii on the immeasurable.htm

Pride and Humility
... art thou become like unto us? Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise
of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Pride and Humility
... art thou become like unto us? Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise
of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm

Wrapt in Wonder and Amaze,
... On the throne of God I gaze;". Sparkling are the gems abounding,. Sweet the
harps and viols sounding; See the palms of victory wave,". ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the apostolic church/wrapt in wonder and amaze.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for
I will not hear the melody of thy viols. But let judgment ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The victory of Life (Preached at the Chapel Royal. )
... art thou become like unto us? Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise
of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon iii the victory of.htm

Isaiah's
... Art thou become like unto us?' Thy pomp is brought down to hell, And the noise of
thy viols: The worm is spread under thee, And worms cover thee. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/x isaiahs.htm

The Condescension of Christ
... and the inscription, "Glory be unto God," was written over all space; day and night
the smoking incense of praise ascended before him from golden viols held by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the condescension of christ.htm

Patriotic Hymns.
... its timbrel beat and its canorous harmony and "coda fortis""and modern choirs have
little use in religious service for the sonata written for viols and horns ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ix patriotic hymns.htm

Evidences Internal and Experimental.
... Psa.69:30, 31. "Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will
not hear the melody of thy viols. But let judgment run ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xii evidences internal and.htm

Viols (2 Occurrences)
...Viols (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 14:11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the
noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. ...
/v/viols.htm - 6k

Psalteries (16 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Isaiah 14:11 Thy pomp is brought down to Sheol, and the noise
of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and worms cover thee. ...
/p/psalteries.htm - 12k

Violet (3 Occurrences)

/v/violet.htm - 8k

Viper (8 Occurrences)

/v/viper.htm - 10k

Nether-world (41 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Isaiah 14:11 Thy pomp is brought down to Sheol, and the noise of thy
viols: the worm is spread under thee, and worms cover thee. (See JPS). ...
/n/nether-world.htm - 16k

Maccabaeus
... On the 23rd of Ijjar (May), 141, the patriots entered even the Akra "with praise
and palm branches, and with harps, and with cymbals and with viols, and with ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Palm (49 Occurrences)
... entered the Akra at Jerusalem after its capture, "with thanksgiving, and branches
of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and ...
/p/palm.htm - 35k

Melody (55 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Amos 5:23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not
hear the melody of thy viols. (KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS RSV). ...
/m/melody.htm - 24k

Maccabees
... On the 23rd of Ijjar (May), 141, the patriots entered even the Akra "with praise
and palm branches, and with harps, and with cymbals and with viols, and with ...
/m/maccabees.htm - 52k

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