Page 408 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

MUSIC

disciplined in the Christian’s life. If we genuinely want The Israelite women sang at the return of the armies
to do right and understand, then these concepts from battle (1 Sa. 18:6-7).
become extremely sensible and logical. But frequently, David made many musical instruments and
as in other areas of the Christian life, our tastes, organized music for the worship of God (1 Ch. 23:5; 2
preferences, and opinions blur our vision and interfere
with comprehension. Consider Paul’s words as he Ch. 7:6; 29:26; Am. 6:5)
speaks of the body: ‘For if ye live after the flesh, ye Solomon made musical instruments (1 Ki. 10:12; 2
shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the Ch. 9:11; Ec. 2:8).
deeds of the body, ye shall live (Ro. 8:13). ‘But I keep Israel sang at the coronation of Solomon (1 Ki.
under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that 1:39,40).
by any means, when I have preached to others, I
myself should be a castaway’ (1 Co. 9:27). Israel sang at the coronation of Joash—”...and all the
The body must be in proper relationship with the mind people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets,
and spirit. It is not that rhythm should be abandoned, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as
but it needs to be in proper balance with the harmony taught to sing praise” (2 Ch. 23:12-13).
and the melody. ... Israel sang at the rededication of the temple by
If the body and physical things are a priority in one’s Hezekiah—”...and the Levites and the priests praised the
life, that person is sensual. If the rhythm is the primary Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the
dominating part of any piece of music, then that music Lord” (2 Ch. 29:20-36).
is sensual. ... Israel sang at the dedication of the rebuilt temple
The pulse is there to sustain life. It does not call (Ezr. 3:10-11).
attention to itself in that role. Rhythm should play the
same part in music. It is there to keep the music Israel sang at the dedication of the rebuilt wall in
moving, not to dominate the sound (The previous Jerusalem (Ne. 12:42-47)
study is from Music in the Balance by Frank Garlock Jesus sang with his disciples (Mk. 14:26; He. 2:12).
and Kurt Woetzel, Copyright 1992, Majesty Music, pp. Paul and Silas sang praises to God in the jail (Ac.
55-59). 16:25).
MUSIC USED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD The earth will break forth in singing during the
Moses and Israel sang in the wilderness (Ex. 15:1-21; Millennium (Is. 14:7).
Nu. 21:17) There is singing in heaven (Re. 5:8-10; 14:2-3;
Deborah and Barak sang at the downfall of Sisera 15:2-3).
(Ju. 5:1-31). Miscellaneous references to music in the O.T. (Ge.
The Levites were organized to sing and make music 31:27; Ju. 11:34; 2 Sa. 19:35; Job 30:31; Pr. 29:6; Is.
in praise to God. “And David spake to the chief of the 5:12; 12:5; 14:7; 16:10; 23:16; 30:29-32; 44:23; Eze.
Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with 26:13; 33:32; 40:44; 8:10; Hab. 3:19).
instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and
cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy” (1 MUSIC USED FOR THE WICKEDNESS OF MAN
Ch. 15:16). See also 1 Ch. 15:16-28; 16:4-42; 23:3-6, Israel made music when they committed idolatry and
27-30; 25:1-8; 2 Ch. 5:12-13; 20:19-28; 23:13; immorality (Ex. 32:4-6, 17-19,25).
29:25-28; 31:2; 35:15, 25; Ezr. 2:64; 3:10-11; Ne. Nebuchadnezzar required music to be played at his
12:42-47. idolatrous festival (Da. 3:4-16).
The Psalms contain 150 musical psalms to God The wicked make music to entertain themselves in
—”Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands. Serve their rebellion to God (Job 21:12-14).
the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with The wicked make music in connection with moral
singing” (Ps. 100:1). “Praise him with the sound of the debauchery (Is. 5:11-12; 24:8-9; Am. 6:5-6).
trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise The rebellious Babylonian world system loves music
him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with (Eze. 26:13; Re. 18:22).
stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUAL MUSIC
loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding
cymbals” (Ps. 150:3-5). (See also Ps. 33:1-4; (1) It must be understandable (1 Co. 14:15). (2) It
68:4,25-35; 81:1-3; 87:7; 92:1-3; 95:1-2; 98:1-8; must be under the control of the Holy Spirit (Ep.
104:33; 105:2; 135:1-3; 137:1-6; 144:9; 149:1-6). 5:18,19). (3) It must be “to the Lord” (Ep. 5:19). (4) It
Israel sang when God fought against Moab and must be thankful (Ep. 5:20). (5) It must be in the name
of Jesus Christ (Ep. 5:20). (6) It must be based on the
Ammon (2 Ch. 20:14- 23). Word of Christ (Col. 3:16). (7) It must be sung with
David sang to comfort Saul (1 Sa. 16:15, 16, 23). grace in the heart to the Lord (Col. 3:16).

408 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity