Lexical Summary zammar: To sing, to praise, to make music Original Word: זַמָּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance singer (Aramaic) from the same as zmar; an instrumental musician -- singer. see HEBREW zmar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from the same as zemar Definition singer NASB Translation singers (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [זַמָּר K§ 59 d)] noun masculine singer; — plural emphatic זַמָּרַיָא Ezra 7:24. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Ezra 7:24 is the sole use of the noun זַמָּר, identifying the “singers” whom King Artaxerxes exempts from “tribute, tax, or duty”. Although the word appears only here, it designates a well-established class of Levitical musicians whose ministry permeates the Old Testament worship tradition. Historical Context The decree recorded in Ezra 7 safeguards the renewed temple order during the Persian period. By relieving singers of civil burdens, Artaxerxes ensures that nothing hinders continual praise in the second temple. This royal support echoes earlier provisions under David (1 Chronicles 9:33) and Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:25–30), showing an unbroken concern, even among Gentile rulers, that Israel’s God be honored with song. Role within the Temple Community 1. Spiritual Function: Singers led corporate praise, teaching theology through inspired lyrics (Psalm 47:6–7). Their ministry fostered hearts prepared for sacrifice and Scripture (Nehemiah 8:5–6). Theological Themes • God-Centered Worship: Scripture portrays singing as a divinely mandated response to salvation (Exodus 15:1; Revelation 5:9). Singers embody this summons. Continuity in Redemptive History Old Testament singers prefigure the New Testament call for every believer to “speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19). While vocational musicians still serve the church, the priesthood of all believers enlarges the choir to include every redeemed voice (Hebrews 13:15). The heavenly vision culminates in a multitude singing “Worthy is the Lamb” (Revelation 5:12). Ministry Applications • Value and Support Music Ministry: Just as Israel provided material relief, congregations today should supply adequate resources and spiritual care for those who lead worship. In the solitary appearance of זַמָּר, Scripture encapsulates a rich theology of worship leadership—one that affirms God’s delight in ordered, skillful, and joyful song offered by devoted servants for the good of His people and the glory of His name. Forms and Transliterations זַמָּ֨רַיָּ֤א זמריא zam·mā·ray·yā zamMaraiYa zammārayyāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 7:24 HEB: כָּהֲנַיָּ֣א וְ֠לֵוָיֵא זַמָּ֨רַיָּ֤א תָרָֽעַיָּא֙ נְתִ֣ינַיָּ֔א NAS: Levites, singers, doorkeepers, KJV: and Levites, singers, porters, INT: of the priests Levites singers doorkeepers Nethinim 1 Occurrence |
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