Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Description:The lute is a stringed musical instrument that is often associated with ancient and biblical times. It is similar in appearance and function to the modern-day guitar, featuring a body with a rounded back and a neck with frets. The lute is played by plucking or strumming the strings, which are typically made of gut or a similar material. In biblical contexts, the lute is often mentioned alongside other instruments such as the harp, lyre, and timbrel, indicating its role in musical worship and celebration.
Biblical References:While the specific term "lute" is not directly mentioned in most English translations of the Bible, the instrument is often inferred from descriptions of stringed instruments used in worship and celebration. The Hebrew word "nebel" is sometimes translated as "lute" or "harp" in various translations, including the Berean Standard Bible.
In
Psalm 92:3 , the psalmist speaks of praising God with musical instruments: "with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre." Although the term "lute" is not explicitly used here, the reference to stringed instruments highlights the cultural and religious significance of such instruments in biblical times.
Cultural and Religious Significance:In ancient Israel, music played a vital role in both religious and social settings. Instruments like the lute were integral to worship, often accompanying psalms and hymns sung in the temple or during religious festivals. The use of the lute and other stringed instruments was seen as a way to honor God and express joy and gratitude.
The lute's presence in biblical worship underscores the importance of music as a form of expression and communication with the divine. It was not only a tool for personal enjoyment but also a means of communal worship, bringing people together in praise and celebration.
Historical Context:The lute, as understood in biblical times, likely had variations in design and construction compared to modern lutes. Archaeological findings and historical records suggest that similar instruments were prevalent throughout the ancient Near East, including regions such as Mesopotamia and Egypt. These instruments were often crafted from wood and featured strings made from animal intestines or plant fibers.
The craftsmanship and artistry involved in making lutes were highly regarded, and skilled musicians were often sought after for their ability to play these instruments in royal courts and religious ceremonies.
Symbolism and Interpretation:In a biblical context, the lute and other musical instruments symbolize joy, celebration, and the harmonious relationship between humanity and God. The act of playing music is seen as a form of worship, an offering of one's talents and skills to the Creator. The harmonious sounds produced by the lute can be interpreted as a reflection of the order and beauty of God's creation.
The use of the lute in worship also serves as a reminder of the importance of creativity and artistic expression in the life of faith. It encourages believers to use their gifts to glorify God and to foster a sense of community and shared purpose through music and song.
Library
The Christians do not Worship the Universe.
... not the instrument. For at the musical contests the adjudicators do not
pass by the lute-players and crown thelutes. Whether, then...
Chapter i.
... Place together twolutes which are in unison, that is, of the same sound and accord,
and let one of them be played on:"the other though not touched will not...
Explanation of the Preceding Chapter.
... and it seems to me that military glory is grander, and the other better; as, among
instruments, drums and trumpets make more noise,lutes and virginals more...
"The Glory of that Light"
... "And thus henceforward, whensoever he heard the singing of hymns and psalms, or
the sweet sound of harps andlutes, or when he heard men speaking of human love...
Watkinson -- the Transfigured Sackcloth
... Indeed, despite our dissimulations, we know that life is not a matter oflutes,
doves, and sunflowers, and at last we have little patience with those who thus...
A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras, the Athenian
... sings the accompanying melody. For the judges at contests do not disregard
the lute players and crown thelutes. If, as Plato says...
Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God...
... honeycomb. For herein, they were not like harps orlutes, but they felt,
they felt the power and strength of their own words. When...
Thesaurus
Lutes (16 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Lutes (16 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 18:6 It happened
as they came, when David returned from the slaughter
...Tambours (8 Occurrences)
... Samuel 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before Jehovah on all manner
of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps, and withlutes, and with...
Lute (13 Occurrences)
Employed (8 Occurrences)
... the captains of the host separated for the service those of the sons of Asaph and
of Heman and of Jeduthun who were to prophesy with harps andlutes and cymbals...
Balustrade (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Kings 10:12 And the king made of the sandal-wood a balustrade for the house of
Jehovah, and for the king's house, and harps andlutes for the singers....
Cypress (17 Occurrences)
... Samuel 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before Jehovah on all manner
of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps, and withlutes, and with...
Clad (13 Occurrences)
... 5:12 and the Levites the singers, all they of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with
their sons and their brethren, clad in byssus, with cymbals andlutes and harps...
Cithern
... the King James Version, kitharais kai kinurais is translated "citherns and harps";
the Revised Version (British and American) "harps andlutes"; compare guitar...
Clarions (1 Occurrence)
... up the ark of the covenant of Jehovah with shouting, and with sound of the trumpet,
and with clarions, and with cymbals, playing aloud withlutes and harps....
Stairs (12 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 9:11 And the king made of the sandal-wood stairs for the house of Jehovah,
and for the king's house, and harps andlutes for the singers....
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