           
The earliest synagogal music was based on the same system as that used in the Temple in Jerusalem. According to the* Tahlmud, Joshua ben Hananiah, who had served in the sanctuary Levitical choir, told how the choristers went to the synagogue from the orchestra by the altar (Tahlmud, Suk. 53a), and so participated in both services.
Biblical and contemporary sources mention the following instruments that were used in the ancient Temple:
The history of Hebrew music goes back to the first person who beat a stick on a rock, and it extends to the temple orchestra and the "joyous sound" called for in Psalm 150. That first musician heard rhythm as he beat his primitive instruments.
For example, David is credited with inventing a number of instruments, although we do not know precisely what they were (cf. Amos 6:5). David called upon a chorus of 4,000 to offer praises to the LORD "with the instruments which I made to Praise" (I Chron. 23:5; cf. II Chron. 7:6; Neh. 12:6). David also composed songs, such as his lament over the death of Saul and Jonathan.
Though GOD directed Israel's social and religious development, the nation absorbed ideas from surrounding cultures. Israel was at a geographical crossroads and was exposed to ideas and customs from other parts of the world (Gen. 37:25), including musical style.
Many men of Israel married foreign wives whose customs gradually crept into Hebrew lifestyle. According to the collection of post-biblical Jewish writings called the Midrash, King Solomon married an Egyptian woman whose dowry included 1,000 musical instruments. If this is true, no doubt she brought musicians with her to play those instruments in the traditional Egyptian way.
The purpose the music served and the way in which listeners responded to it also influenced the development of Hebrew music. In times of war, it was often necessary to sound an alarm or send some other kind of urgent signal. Thus the Hebrews developed the shophar, an instrument like a trumpet with loud, piercing tones (Exod. 32:17-18; Judg. 7:18-20). Merrymaking and frivolity called for the light, happy tones produced by the pipe or flute (Gen. 31:27; Judg. 11:34-35; Matt. 9:23-24; Luke 15:23-25).
Music in Worship. Music was also a part of the religious life of Israel. The Israelites' formal worship observed various rituals prescribed by GOD. Music served as an accompaniment to these rituals.
Temple music consisted of singers and an orchestra. The singers and musicians could come only from the males of certain families. Likewise, the types of instruments were restricted. Instruments that were associated with women, with raucous merrymaking (such as the Egyptian sistrum), or with pagan worship were banned from the temple orchestra.
The Old Testament lists several kinds of instruments in the temple orchestra (cf. I Chron. 15:28; 16:42; 25:1). These instruments include the big harp (nevel), the lyre (kinnor), the ram's horn (shophar), the trumpet (chatsotserah), the timbrel (toph), and cymbals (metsiltayim). After the Israelites returned from the Exile and rebuilt the temple, the orchestra was reestablished (cf. Neh. 12:27). The pipe or flute (halil) was probably now included, and vocal music became more prominent.
Beyond formal worship within the temple, music was a part of other religious activities. Instruments not allowed in the temple were played at other religious functions, such as feast days. Often the feast began with a musical proclamation; then music, singing, and even dancing were part of the celebration. Women singers and musicians were allowed to participate (Ezra 2:65; Neh. 7:76; II Chron. 35:25).
Hebrew leaders who ministered in the temple took great care to avoid using music that was associated with sensuous pagan worship. In cultures where fertility rites were common, women singers and musicians incited sexual orgies in honor of their gods. Even instruments not associated with pagan practices were sometimes restricted. For example, priests feared that a happy, melodious flute tune in the temple could distract someone's mind from worship. The prophet Amos condemned those "who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp" (Amos 6:5, RSV).
Of course, there were times when the distractions of music could be helpful. The soothing strains of David's lyre refreshed a tormented Saul (I Sam. 16:23). After Daniel was shut up in the den of lions, King Darius retired to his room and refused to let the "instruments of music" be brought to him (Dan. 6:18).
Music was an important part of everyday life. Merrymaking, weddings, and funerals were not complete without music. Even war relied on music, since special instruments sounded the call to battle. Aristocratic diversion and relaxation patronized the musicians and their skills. |