Abstract:
There are many possible approaches to describing the effects and uses of music in a particular
society. It would be a mistake to assume that music in the Bible is not the cement of social life
and has no liturgical significance. The present study seeks to explore how people in ancient
times employed music using the harp and the ram’s horn (shofar), to cope with roles that
were open or never-ending in their demands. In particular, it focuses upon the role played
by music in secular life as well as religious rituals, as described in the Bible. The method used
was an extensive literature study of the Old and New Testament, textbooks and relevant peer
reviewed journals, with a focus on both secular and religious reasons for singing, dancing and
playing instruments. It was found that the Bible described the use of the harp and the ram’s
horn associated with singing and dancing during celebrations, for military use, as well as
mourning or lamentation. It was concluded that music using different instruments, including
the harp and shofar, helped people to cope with the demands of everyday life and thus played
an important role in both secular life and religious rituals in biblical times.
