Viol

The viol (Hebrew nebel) was a stringed musical instrument used in ancient Israel, rendered variously as "psaltery," "lute," or "harp" in different Bible translations. The R.V. translates nebel as "lute" in Isaiah 5:12 and "stringed instrument" elsewhere. The nebel was likely a large harp-like instrument with a resonating box, distinct from the smaller hand-held kinnor (lyre). Both were used in Levitical temple worship, and David organized the Levitical singers to play them in the sanctuary (1 Chronicles 25:1).

The viol appears in a striking prophetic context in Isaiah 5:12, where Isaiah condemns those who make music at their feasts—harp, lute, tambourine, flute, and wine—but "do not regard the deeds of the LORD, or see the work of his hands." The abundance of music at banquets was not itself sinful; the failure of spiritual attention was the indictment. Similarly, in Amos 6:5 the prophet rebukes those who "sing idle songs to the sound of the harp" and devise musical instruments "like David," while unconcerned about the ruin of Joseph—a warning that liturgical sophistication cannot substitute for justice and covenant faithfulness.