934. Musical instruments as well as human melody are mentioned all through the Bible. The Hebrew culture included music; it was in fact an important part of their daily lives. Music was used for both sacred and secular occasions.
935. "The father of all who play the harp and flute." Jubal was the son of Lamech and a descendant of Cain, but his main title was that of music patriarch (Gen. 4:21).
936. Music was played at all occasions, such as at religious festivals and worship services, at funerals (Matt. 9:23), in battle (Exod. 15:20-21; 2 Chron. 20:28), and even just to pass the time while shepherds watched their sheep. David was a talented harpist. There are instances of music in royal settings as well as very humble ones in the Bible. It doesn't appear to be an aspect of culture that was truly only for one segment of society.
937. Instruments ranged in types and styles, but the necessary elements for an orchestra were present: strings, wind instruments, and a percussion section. Though instruments could certainly be played alone, orchestras did exist. David was said to have four thousand instrumentalists organized for his musical needs and requests.
938. The "pipe" instrument mentioned in Scripture was perhaps an oboe. The pipe would have been used in festivals and other times of rejoicing, as well as funerals and sad occasions. The prophet Jeremiah once compared the soulful, haunting sound to a sad heart (Jer. 48:36).
