Life in Bible Times - Musicians and Their Instruments - Wind Instruments

Wind Instruments These instruments are often mentioned in the Bible. One of the most ancient is the Jewish horn, known as the shofar. This hollowed-ram's  horn produced loud, piercing tones.  The Israelites use the shofar to assemble  troops in battle and to direct the nation to action. - JUDGES 3:27; 7:22.

Another type of wind instrument was the metal tube trumpet. A document found among the Dead Sea Scrolls indicates that musicians  could play a surprisingly wide range of tones on these instruments.  Jehovah instructed Moses to make two trumpets of silver for use at the tabernacle.  (Numbers  10:2-7) Later, at the inauguration of Solomon's Temple, 120 trumpets added their might sound to the celebration.  (2 Chronicles 5:12, 13)  Artisans made trumpets of different lengths.  Some measured at least three feet (91 cm) from mouthpiece to bell-shaped front.

A favorite wind instrument of the Israelites was the flute. Its happy, melodious sound lifted the spirit of the people attending family gatherings, feasts, and weddings. ( 1 Kings 1:40; Isaiah 30:29)  The flute's lyrical voice could also be heard at funerals, where musicians played songs as part of the mourning ritual. - MATTHEW 9:23.

Next time: Conclusion of Life in Bible Times - Musicians and Their Instruments - Percussion Instruments

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