### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **çabbᵉkâʼ**, represented by `{{H5443}}`, identifies a musical instrument, specifically a **lyre** or **sackbut**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. Its use is highly specific, appearing exclusively within the context of the orchestra King Nebuchadnezzar assembled to signal the worship of a golden image.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5443}}` is found only in the third chapter of Daniel. It is consistently listed as one of the instruments in Nebuchadnezzar's royal orchestra. The sound of the **sackbut**, along with the harp, flute, and other instruments, was the official command for all peoples and nations to **fall down** and worship the golden image the king had erected [[Daniel 3:5]]. This event is recounted multiple times, emphasizing the role of the musical cue in the king's decree [[Daniel 3:10]], the people's subsequent compliance [[Daniel 3:7]], and the ultimatum given to the faithful Hebrews [[Daniel 3:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The word **çabbᵉkâʼ** is always presented within a group of related terms that describe the full orchestra and the required response:
* `{{H7030}}` **qîythârôç** (a lyre; harp): This instrument is mentioned in the same list as the **sackbut**, contributing to the symphony that signaled idolatrous worship [[Daniel 3:5]].
* `{{H4953}}` **mashrôwqîy** (a (musical) pipe (from its whistling sound); flute): This wind instrument is also a key part of the orchestra, highlighting the diversity of sounds used to create an overwhelming auditory experience [[Daniel 3:7]].
* `{{H8086}}` **shᵉmaʻ** (to hear intelligently): The command was contingent upon this action. All who would **hear** the sound of the orchestra were expected to obey the decree [[Daniel 3:10]].
* `{{H5308}}` **nᵉphal** (to fall, in a great variety of applications): This is the physical act demanded upon hearing the music, signifying submission to the king's authority by having to **fall down** [[Daniel 3:7]].
* `{{H5457}}` **çᵉgid** (to prostrate oneself (in homage); worship): This defines the ultimate purpose of the music and the required action: to **worship** the golden image [[Daniel 3:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5443}}` is derived entirely from its narrative function as a tool for enforcing idolatry.
* **Signal for Idolatry:** The sound of the **sackbut** and its accompanying instruments serves as a trigger for a mandated act of false worship, placing the characters in a direct conflict between the law of God and the command of a human king [[Daniel 3:15]].
* **Atmosphere of Coercion:** The elaborate list of instruments, including the **sackbut**, illustrates the pomp and ceremony used to create an environment of compulsion, designed to intimidate the masses into compliance [[Daniel 3:7]].
* **Test of Faith:** The music featuring the **sackbut** is the central element in the test of faith for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their refusal to **worship** at its sound demonstrates a commitment to God over the demands of the state [[Daniel 3:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5443}}` is more than just a name for an ancient musical instrument. As the **sackbut**, its presence in scripture is confined to a single, powerful narrative in the book of Daniel. It functions as a key component of an orchestral summons, not for celebrating God, but for compelling the worship of an idol, thereby becoming a symbol of state-enforced idolatry and the catalyst for a profound test of faith.
TRV