Music In The Jerusalem Temple

The ancient Israelite music used in the Jerusalem Temple was highly influenced by the other cultures and kingdoms that surrounded it. Most predominantly, similarities can be seen between the music of the Israelites, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. Defining features of the Temple’s music were the emphasis on string instruments, the 12-instrument orchestra accompanied by an equal number of singers, and the notion of holiness that was placed on music within the Temple. While there were many similarities between secular and religious music during the Temple period, the emphasis on preserving the sacred, and demonstrating respect for G-d as well as preserving tradition, was placed on religious music. The distinction between religious and secular music manifested in many ways, such as which instruments were permitted to be used and who was permitted to sing.

The convergence of music and holiness was likely derived from the Egyptians, who viewed musicians as priests. Religious music in the Temple was not allowed to be perceived as sensual. As a result, instruments viewed as erotic or closely

These were considered sacred instruments, and as such, no public, religious ceremony could be conducted without their use. Furthermore, due to their elevated status these were the only instruments that were permitted to be played in the Temple during Shabbat. The nevel was a large harp, with a stronger, fuller sound, played with the fingers, while the kinnor was a small lyre, described in the bible as having a sweet, soft, tender, and lyrical sound, played with plectrum (known today as a pick). It should be noted that while the Phoenicians and Assyrians used a triangular shaped kinnor, Semites more commonly utilized a square shape. As Abraham Idelsohn states in his book, “Jewish Music”, on an average day, the Temple orchestra was comprised of