Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
PIPE, or FLUTE, similar to the present instrument, was the principal perforated wind instrument among the Hebrews, as the harp was the principal string instrument. It was made of different materials, reed, copper, bronze, etc., and was played on all occasions - the procession, 1 Kgs 1:40, the banquet, Isa 5:12, the wedding, the funeral. Matt 9:23. Thus, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in the religious festivals and in private life, the pipe, the simplest, and probably the oldest, musical instrument, was heard. See Music and Musical Instruments.
✦ Scripture References 3 references