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The shofar was used in battle (Joshua 6:4 Judges 3:27 6:34 1 Samuel 13:3), as a warning of coming battle (Ezekiel 33:3–6 Hosea 5:8 Amos 3:6 Zephaniah 1:16), in celebration (1 Chronicles 15:28 1 Kings 1:34), and as a call or warning (Psalm 81:3 98:6 Isaiah 27:13 58:1). Translators identify it as a “horn,” a “ram’s horn,” or a “trumpet”-not to be confused with the metal clarion. It is made from a ram’s horn and most closely associated with Rosh Hashanah. The shofar is perhaps the most well-known horn mentioned in the Bible. It is translated as “bagpipe,” “tambourine,” “pipe,” and “sackbut,” which is a type of trombone. The identity of the sumpponeya is not as clear. The masroqi made a whistling sound it was probably similar to panpipes. Two different types of Aramaic pipes, the sumpponeya and the masroqi, are mentioned in connection with the worship of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue (Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15). Some believe it was a primitive type of bagpipe with a pipe for fingering below, a bladder in the middle, and the mouthpiece coming up above. Bible versions translate ugab variously as “pipe,” “flute,” or “organ.” The name comes from the Hebrew for “breathing.” It is one of the first instruments mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 4:21) and was used for worship (Job 21:12 Psalm 150:4). The ugab was similar but used for less formal purposes. Its sound is compared to the moans of mourning over Moab’s judgment (Jeremiah 48:36). It was mostly used during celebrations (1 Kings 1:40 Isaiah 5:12 30:29) but also when King Saul prophesied (1 Samuel 10:5). Two of these pipes may have been played at the same time. The name is taken from the Hebrew for “perforated” or “pierced,” as the tube is pierced with fingerholes. Halil is translated “pipe” or “flute” it was double-reeded and played vertically like an oboe or horizontally like a modern flute. Pipe: The Old Testament mentions four different types of pipes or flutes: Sometimes, the exact instrument referred to in the Bible is difficult to determine. In addition, different sounds and voices were compared to musical instruments. People used music when celebrating, mourning, worshiping, and prophesying. The first person to make a musical instrument lived before the flood of Noah’s day (Genesis 4:21).
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