### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **mashrôwqîy**, represented by `{{H4953}}`, refers to a **flute** or a musical pipe. Its name is derived from a root that suggests a whistling sound. This specific term appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, all within a single narrative context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
All occurrences of `{{H4953}}` are found in the third chapter of Daniel. It is consistently listed as one of the instruments in King Nebuchadnezzar's royal orchestra. The king decreed that when the people heard the **sound** `{{H7032}}` of the cornet, **flute**, harp, and other instruments, they were commanded to **fall down** `{{H5308}}` and **worship** `{{H5457}}` the golden image he had set up ([[Daniel 3:5]], [[Daniel 3:10]]). The sound of the **flute** and its companion instruments served as the trigger for this act of compulsory worship, which the people, nations, and languages obeyed [[Daniel 3:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The word **mashrôwqîy** is always presented within a specific group of related terms that define its context:
* `{{H7162}}` **qeren** (cornet): Defined as a horn, this instrument is always mentioned alongside the **flute** in the king's orchestra, signaling the command to worship [[Daniel 3:15]].
* `{{H2170}}` **zᵉmâr** (musick): This term for instrumental music encompasses the full orchestra. The decree specifies that upon hearing "all kinds of **musick**," the people must fall down [[Daniel 3:7]].
* `{{H5308}}` **nᵉphal** (fall down): This word describes the physical act demanded upon hearing the **flute** and other instruments. The narrative shows that when the music played, all the people **fell down** and worshipped the image [[Daniel 3:7]].
* `{{H5457}}` **çᵉgid** (worship): This term signifies the required act of religious homage. The sound of the musical ensemble, including the **flute**, was a call to **worship** the golden image [[Daniel 3:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4953}}` is derived entirely from its specific use in the book of Daniel. It is not an instrument of praise to God but a tool for state-enforced idolatry.
* **A Signal for Idolatry:** The sound of the **flute** is part of an auditory signal used to initiate a mass act of false worship, demanding that people bow to a man-made image [[Daniel 3:5]].
* **A Test of Faith:** The music from the orchestra, including the **flute**, creates the central test of the narrative. The refusal to obey the musical cue and **worship** the image is the act of defiance for which Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are punished [[Daniel 3:15]].
* **Instrument of Human Authority:** The **flute** is used as part of a display of a human king's power, where music is co-opted to enforce absolute political and religious submission to the state rather than to God [[Daniel 3:7]].
### Summary
In summary, **mashrôwqîy** `{{H4953}}` is a narrowly used term whose importance comes from its role in a single, powerful biblical story. As the **flute** in Nebuchadnezzar's orchestra, its sound is inextricably linked to the theme of compelled idolatry and the faithful resistance of those who would only worship the one true God. Its context in Daniel 3 transforms it from a simple musical instrument into a symbol of a critical choice between human authority and divine allegiance.
TRV