Engel
Engel [1]
(Music of the most Ancient Nations, particularly of the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Hebrewes [1864]) observes that the Hebrews had various kinds of sacred and secular musical compositions, differing according to the occasions on which they were employed. These he enumerates as follows:
(a) Sacred music in divine worship, which was evidently regarded as of the highest importance;
(b) Sacred songs, and instrumental compositions, which were performed also in family circles ( Isaiah 30:29; James 5:13);
(c) Military music, sacred as well as secular ( 2 Chronicles 20:21; 2 Chronicles 13:12; 2 Chronicles 13:14);
(d) Triumphal songs (Exodus 15; Judges 1:5; 2 Chronicles 20:27-28);
(e) Erotic songs, alluded to in title of Psalms 45, "A song of loves" ( Isaiah 5:1);
(f) Music at bridal processions ( Jeremiah 7:34);
(g) Funeral songs ( 2 Chronicles 35:25; Ecclesiastes 12:5; Amos 5:16; 2 Samuel 1:19);
(h) Popular secular songs, such as the songs of the vintners ( Isaiah 16:10; Jeremiah 48:33)
(i) Convivial songs ( Isaiah 24:8-9; Luke 15:25; Isaiah 5:11-12; Amos 6:4-5);
(j) Performances of itinerant musicians ( Isaiah 23:15-16; Ecclesiastes 9:4). For the literature of the subject, (See Musical Instruments).
