Pipe

The pipe or flute was one of the simplest and most widespread musical instruments of the ancient Near East, made from reed, bone, or wood and used in both sacred and secular contexts. In Israel pipes accompanied the anointing of kings (1 Kings 1:40), the processions of prophetic bands (1 Samuel 10:5), and the pilgrimages to Jerusalem's feasts (Isaiah 30:29). Jesus refers to the pipe in his parable of the children in the marketplace who played flute and expected their companions to dance. In the New Testament the flute (aulos) was used by mourners — Matthew 9:23 mentions flute-players at Jairus's house. Revelation 18:22 includes flute-players among the sounds of Babylon that will be heard no more.