In biblical times, music played a significant role in both religious and social contexts. Among the various instruments mentioned in the Bible, the pipe is one that appears in several passages, often associated with joy, celebration, and worship.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 4:21 · The earliest mention of musical instruments in the Bible is found in the lineage of Cain. Jubal is described as "the father of all who play the harp and flute." The term "flute" here is often understood to include various types of pipes, indicating the ancient origins of this instrument.

2. 1 Samuel 10:5 · When Samuel anoints Saul as king, he instructs him to go to Gibeah, where he will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with "harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres" before them, prophesying. The presence of the flute, or pipe, in this prophetic context underscores its role in spiritual and religious ceremonies.

3. Isaiah 5:12 · The prophet Isaiah speaks of the revelry of the people, mentioning "harps and lyres, tambourines and flutes, and wine at their feasts." Here, the pipe is associated with celebration and feasting, highlighting its use in social gatherings.

4. Matthew 11:17 · In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the playing of the pipe in a parable: "We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn." This illustrates the cultural expectation of music to evoke a response, whether of joy or sorrow.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Pipes in biblical times were likely made from reeds or other natural materials, producing a simple yet melodious sound. They were used in various settings, from shepherds in the fields to temple worship. The pipe's association with both joy and lamentation reflects its versatility in expressing the full range of human emotions.

In religious contexts, the pipe was part of the musical ensemble that accompanied worship and prophecy. Its inclusion in the worship practices of ancient Israel signifies the importance of music in connecting the community with God, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere, and facilitating prophetic expression.

Symbolism:

The pipe, as a musical instrument, symbolizes joy, celebration, and the communal aspect of worship. It also represents the call to respond to God's message, as seen in Jesus' parable. The sound of the pipe invites participation, whether in dance, celebration, or reflection, emphasizing the active engagement of believers in their faith journey.

Conclusion:

The biblical references to pipers and pipes highlight the integral role of music in the life of God's people. Whether in worship, prophecy, or celebration, the pipe serves as a reminder of the joy and communal spirit that music brings to the human experience.

The Destruction of Babylon.
... And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and pipers, and trumpeters, will be heard
no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of any art, will be found any more ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

Further Use Made of the System of the Phrygians; Mode of ...
... they celebrate in a hymn, they utter these words: "I will hymn Attis, son of Rhea,
not with the buzzing sounds of trumpets, or of Id??an pipers, which accord ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter iv further use made of.htm

Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters.
... and meretricious songs insinuate themselves into men's souls, and all who hear them,
eager to imitate the notes [1520] of harpers and pipers, are filled with ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iv upon the gathering.htm

An Old-Fashioned Home
... The Scotch pipers were playing the tunes that reminded the Scotchman of the
heather and the hills, and they were dying of homesickness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/an old-fashioned home.htm

Death.
... But glorious it was to see how the open region was filled with horses and chariots,
with trumpeters and pipers, with singers and players on stringed instruments ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiv death.htm

Temptations.
... it would be strange, O thou that art so afraid that the greatness of thy sins will
be a bar unto thee, if amongst all this great number of pipers and harpers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xv temptations.htm

Matt. x. 34
... the flute players used to run about the city with much license and wantonness in
female apparel; as at this time, about the Epiphany season, pipers and singers ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxv matt x 34.htm

Colossians iv. 12, 13
... Where pipers are, by no means there is Christ; but even if He should have entered,
He first casts these forth, [926] and then He works His wonders. ...
/.../homily xii colossians iv 12.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... And the voice of harpers and musicians, and of pipers and trumpeters, shall be heard
no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... it would be strange, O thou that art so afraid that the greatness of thy sins will
be a bar unto thee, if amongst all this great number of pipers and harpers ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Pipers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pipers (1 Occurrence). Revelation 18:22 And the voice
of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters ...
/p/pipers.htm - 6k

Pipes (9 Occurrences)

/p/pipes.htm - 9k

Musicians (6 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters,
shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever ...
/m/musicians.htm - 8k

Piped (4 Occurrences)

/p/piped.htm - 7k

Artizan (7 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:22 and voice of harpers, and musicians, and pipers, and trumpeters,
may not be heard at all in thee any more; and any artizan of any art may not ...
/a/artizan.htm - 8k

Noise (126 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:22 and voice of harpers, and musicians, and pipers, and trumpeters,
may not be heard at all in thee any more; and any artizan of any art may not ...
/n/noise.htm - 41k

Millstone (9 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters,
shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever ...
/m/millstone.htm - 15k

Whatsoever (167 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters,
shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever ...
/w/whatsoever.htm - 35k

Harpers (2 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters,
shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever ...
/h/harpers.htm - 7k

Music (143 Occurrences)
... Revelation 18:22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters,
shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever ...
/m/music.htm - 78k

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