Topical Encyclopedia
The sackbut is a musical instrument mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Daniel. It is part of the ensemble of instruments used in the worship of the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. The term "sackbut" appears in the context of a decree that required all people to fall down and worship the image whenever they heard the sound of various musical instruments.
Biblical References:The primary reference to the sackbut is found in
Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, and 15. In these verses, the sackbut is listed among other instruments such as the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and pipes. The Berean Standard Bible translates these verses as follows:
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Daniel 3:5 : "As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up."
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Daniel 3:7 : "Therefore, as soon as all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, they fell down and worshiped the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up."
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Daniel 3:10 : "You, O king, have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the golden statue."
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Daniel 3:15 : "Now, if you are ready, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the statue I have made."
Historical and Cultural Context:The sackbut is often identified with a type of ancient stringed or wind instrument. The exact nature of the sackbut is a matter of some debate among scholars, as the term used in the original Aramaic text, "sabbecha," is not definitively linked to a specific instrument known today. Some suggest it may have been similar to a harp or lyre, while others propose it could have been a type of wind instrument, possibly akin to a trombone or trumpet.
In the context of the Babylonian Empire, music played a significant role in both religious and royal ceremonies. The ensemble of instruments mentioned in
Daniel 3 reflects the grandeur and authority of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, as well as the cultural diversity of his empire, which included influences from various conquered peoples.
Theological Significance:The mention of the sackbut in the Book of Daniel is significant for its role in the narrative of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow down to the golden image despite the king's decree. Their defiance and subsequent miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace serve as a powerful testament to faithfulness and the sovereignty of God over earthly powers.
The use of music in this context underscores the theme of worship and idolatry, highlighting the tension between allegiance to God and the demands of secular authority. The account challenges believers to consider the objects of their worship and the pressures to conform to societal norms that may conflict with their faith.
Conclusion:The sackbut, as mentioned in the Book of Daniel, serves as a reminder of the cultural and religious dynamics of the ancient Near East. Its inclusion in the biblical text invites reflection on the nature of worship, the power of music, and the steadfastness required to remain faithful to God in the face of external pressures.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Chald. sabkha; Gr. sambuke), a Syrian stringed instrument resembling a harp (
Dan. 3:5, 7, 10, 15); not the modern sackbut, which is a wind instrument.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A brass wind instrument, like a bass trumpet, so contrived that it can be lengthened or shortened according to the tone required; -- said to be the same as the trombone.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SACKBUTsak'-but.
SeeMUSIC, III, 1, (f).
Strong's Hebrew
5443. sabbeka -- trigon (a musical instrument)...sackbut. (Aramaic) or sabbka: (Aramaic) {sab-bek- aw'}; from a root corresponding
to cabak; a lyre --
sackbut. see HEBREW cabak. 5442, 5443.
...Library
The Lord Coming to his Temple
... doom awaiting them if they continue obstinate, is sung for their diversion, accompanied
with the sound of cornet, flute, harp,sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and...
Ode vii.
... blest!". Joined with the trumpet-peal, the din and shout,. Cornet flute,sackbut,
dulcimer rang out,. And bade adore the golden deity:...
Harmless Fires
... Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp,
sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and...
The Holy Spirit's Chief Office
... Coronet, flute, harp,sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music are for
Nebuchadnezzar's golden image; but as for our God, our one harp is Christ...
An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience...
... cried, "To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, that at what time
ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp,sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer...
"The Sun of Righteousness"
... They may throw the golden apples in his road, but he does not observe them; they
may sound harp andsackbut to the right, and breathe the lute or sweeter...
The Christian Described
... He and his fellows sound thesackbut, whose notes are more doleful than the notes
of other music are, though indeed some say the bass is the ground of music....
Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... At the sound of flute, harp,sackbut and all kinds of music, the herald proclaims
that whosoever will not bow down and worship the image that Nebuchadnezzar...
Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude.
... Must we always hear thesackbut? Is the harp never to give forth a joy-note? Some
show their unthankfulness by fretting under their supposed ills....
His Name --Wonderful!
... By the music of flute, harp,sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of instruments? No.
How then? By riches? By fame? By wealth? Ah, no. By a strong mind?...
Thesaurus
Sackbut (4 Occurrences)... sambuke), a Syrian stringed instrument resembling a harp (Dan. 3:5, 7, 10, 15);
not the modern
sackbut, which is a wind instrument.
...SACKBUT. sak'-but.
...Musick (10 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp,sackbut,
psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the...
Psaltery (17 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp,sackbut,
psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the...
Cornet (8 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp,sackbut,
psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the...
Trigon (3 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:5 that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp,sackbut,
psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the...
Dulcimer (3 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp,sackbut,
psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the...
Symphony (3 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:5 at the time that ye hear the voice of the cornet, the flute, the harp,
thesackbut, the psaltery, the symphony, and all kinds of music, ye fall down...
Obeisance (45 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:5 at the time that ye hear the voice of the cornet, the flute, the harp,
thesackbut, the psaltery, the symphony, and all kinds of music, ye fall down...
Nebuchadnez'zar (55 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:5 at the time that ye hear the voice of the cornet, the flute, the harp,
thesackbut, the psaltery, the symphony, and all kinds of music, ye fall down...
Sack (15 Occurrences)
Resources
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