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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMcClintock Biblical Encyclopedia: Engel
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(Music of the most Ancient Nations, particularly of the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Hebrewes [1864]) observes that the Hebrews had various kinds of sacred and secular musical compositions, differing according to the occasions on which they were employed. These he enumerates as follows:
(a) Sacred music in divine worship, which was evidently regarded as of the highest importance;
(b) Sacred songs, and instrumental compositions, which were performed also in family circles (Isa_30:29; Jam_5:13);
(c) Military music, sacred as well as secular (2Ch_20:21; 2Ch_13:12; 2Ch_13:14);
(d) Triumphal songs (Exodus 15; Jud_1:5; 2Ch_20:27-28);
(e) Erotic songs, alluded to in title of Psalms 45, "A song of loves" (Isa_5:1);
(f) Music at bridal processions (Jer_7:34);
(g) Funeral songs (2Ch_35:25; Ecc_12:5; Amo_5:16; 2Sa_1:19);
(h) Popular secular songs, such as the songs of the vintners (Isa_16:10; Jer_48:33)
(i) Convivial songs (Isa_24:8-9; Luk_15:25; Isa_5:11-12; Amo_6:4-5);
(j) Performances of itinerant musicians (Isa_23:15-16; Ecc_9:4). For the literature of the subject, SEE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.