If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played?
7. Nay even things without life. He brings forward similitudes, first from musical instruments, and then afterwards from the nature of things generally, there being no voice that has not some peculiarity, suitable for distinction. “C’est a dire, pour signifier quelque chose;” — “That is to say, for signifying something.” “Even things without life,” says he, “instruct us.” There are, it is true, many random...
In this paragraph he goes on to show how vain a thing the ostentation of speaking unknown and unintelligible language must be. It was altogether unedifying and unprofitable (Co1 14:6): If I come to you speaking with tongues, what will it profit you, unless I speak to you by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
Commenting on 1 Corinthians 14:6-14
And even things without life giving sound,.... He instances in things inanimate, that have neither reason, sense, nor life, in musical instruments, and these of various sorts: whether pipe or harp; wind music, or hand music; either that which is blown with the breath, or pressed or stricken with the hand: except they give a distinction in the sounds; or "tunes", so as one may...