** **The Hebrew word 'chaliyl' (khaw-leel') occurs in six Old Testament references. It was translated 'pipe' or 'pipes' in the King James Version, and 'flute' in the NIV. Some now think from archaeology work by Nelson Glueck, that this instrument was a primitive clarinet, a chalumeau. The chalumeau is a single reed pipe. However, others think the 'chaliyl' was a Hebrew 'shawm'. Most references say a shawm is a double reed instrument that is the ancestor of the oboe.
There is also an instrument in five New Testament references called the Greek word 'Auleo' (Alpha Upsilon Lambda Epsilon Omicron) (ow-leh'-o). Some references say this was a double reed, like an oboe. Is there a separate word for Shawm or chalumeau in classical Greek? This was also translated pipe in the KJV or flute in the NIV. This was used at celebrations and funerals. It was not used in the Temple.
As you [Saul] approach the town [of Gibeah], you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyers, tambourines, flutes (chaliyl-Clarinets) and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying. I Samuel 10:5
They have harps and lyers at their banquets, tambourines and flutes (chaliyl-Clarinets) and wine, but they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord, no respect for the work of his hands. Isaiah 5:12
And you will sing as on the night you celebrate a holy festival; your hearts will rejoice as when people go up with flutes (chaliyl- Clarinets) to the mountain of the Lord. Isaiah 30:29
Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted, "Long live King Solomon!" and all the people went up after him, playing flutes (chaliyl-Clarinets) and rejoicing greatly, so that the ground shook with the sound. I Kings 1:39,40
"In Moab I will put an end to those who make offerings on the high places and burn incense to their gods. So my heart laments for Moab like a flute (chaliyl-Clarinet); it laments like a flute (chaliyl-Clarinet) for the men of Kir Hareseth. The wealth they acquired is gone," declares the Lord. Jeremiah 48:35,36
When Jesus entered the ruler's [Jarius'] house and saw the flute (Auleo-oboe) players and the noisy crowd, he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep." But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all the region. Matt 9:23-26
"To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: We played the flute (Auleo-oboe) for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."' Matthew 11:16-19 and Luke 7:32
Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute (Auleo-oboe) or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with you tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. I Corinthians 14:7-9
With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again. The music of harpists and musicians, flute (Auleo-oboe) players and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No workman of any trade will ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again. Revelation 18:21-22
The scripture is quoted from the New International Version (NIV).
** Picture Credit: The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, Vol. 3, p 472, plate 84, Abington Press.
Created 1/2/97, Last Revised 08/31/01