Pipe
Summary
The pipe was a simple wind instrument made of reed, wood, or metal, with holes to vary the notes, used in both joyful and mournful occasions in ancient Israel.
☩Description and Construction
The Hebrew word chalil, from a root meaning 'to bore' or 'perforate,' is represented by the English 'pipe' or 'flute.' It was one of the simplest and therefore probably oldest of musical instruments. Pipes were made of reed, wood, bronze, or copper, and were sometimes double, as depicted on Egyptian monuments and still used in Egypt. A number of pipes fastened together formed what was called an 'organ.' The instrument had two, three, or four finger holes and could be played vertically or horizontally.
☩Uses in Scripture
The pipe served both sacred and secular purposes. It accompanied the prophets returning from the high place, who 'caught their inspiration from the harmony' (1 Samuel 10:5). Pilgrims on their way to festivals beguiled the march with psalms sung to the pipe's music (Isaiah 30:29). At banquets and celebrations it was paired with the tabret (Isaiah 5:12). Jesus alluded to children playing pipes in the marketplace, saying 'We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced' (Matthew 11:17). Its soft, wailing note also made it appropriate for mourning—professional pipers attended funerals, a custom Christ encountered at Jairus's house (Matthew 9:23).
Related Verses9 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Pipe, Hydraulic," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Pipe," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.George Morrish, "Pipe," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Pipe," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).