1 Chronicles 6:31, 32 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. To King David is traced the ordering and arranging of the service of song in connection with Divine worship, but we are hardly justified in regarding him as the originator of sacred music and song. Miriam's chant, and the songs of Moses, Deborah, Hannah, etc., indicate previous culture of both the gifts of poetry and of music, and the relation in which both stood to public acts of worship. In the earlier Mosaic system there was the clanging of cymbals and blowing of trumpets on special occasions, but probably the connection of intelligent words of trust and praise with the musical chant, in which the worshippers may unite, led by a trained choir, must be traced to David. It is one of his great achievements that he helped to make Divine worship more interesting and attractive, lifting it from the sacrifice of things to the sacrifice of praise, the utterance to God of thankful, trustful, and loving feelings; man offering to God the sacrifice of his own emotions, and finding such sacrifice accounted a "sweet savour." It will at once be recognized that the poetical and musical endowments of David prepared him to serve his God and his fellows in this particular ministry. And his own practice and culture of the gifts enlarged his preparation, and so his fitness for the work, when the providential time for it came. The service of song was commenced in the new tabernacle erected by David on Mount Zion, but probably not until after the ark was restored and made to rest within it; and the service was greatly extended and elaborated to fit in with the more gorgeous surroundings of Solomon's temple. Many of the psalms were composed for use in the public worship, and are arranged for solo and chorus, or for answering choruses. "David put the musical part of the service under the direction of Asaph. Distinctions are made between the different kinds of instruments for which different psalms were suited, indicating that bands composed of stringed instruments, and other bands composed of wind instruments, were employed. We have also notices of trained men and women singers. The singing was managed by responses, or by solo and chorus, many of the psalms lending themselves readily to these forms of music." Taking the references in these verses as suggestive of a general truth, we dwell on - I. THE FACT THAT SONG IS A DIVINE GIFT. Among the pagans it was so recognized, as it was also in David's time. It is singular to find how small a place poetry and music took in the apostolic Church. The power of song is found characteristic of individuals, and it often follows in family lines, as is illustrated in the cases of Asaph and Heman. It becomes, for the individual, the entrusted talent, the inspired gift, the faculty which is to be put out to the Lord's use, the speciality which gives a man his niche and his work. II. SUCH A GIFT MAY BE CONSECRATED TO THE DIVINE SERVICE. It has its distinctly fitting place in relation to public service; and the modern developments of worship give it a most prominent and important place. This is true of all forms that public worship takes, and may be precisely illustrated in relation to each form. The importance of song as attracting to the house of God, as interesting and spiritually benefiting those engaged in worship, add as finding audible expression for devout feeling, should be fully enforced. It therefore becomes the duty of all who have the gift to lay it on the altar of God's service in the sanctuary. III. SUCH A GIFT MAY BE USED FOR THE COMFORT AND HELP OF OTHERS. There is a sphere for the ministry of song in our homes, in society, at sick-beds, in visiting the poor, and among the children. Illustrate by references to Philip Phillips, the singing pilgrim, and to Ira Sankey, the companion of D. L. Moody. IV. SUCH A GIFT MAY BE TRAINED AND SET IN ORDER FOR THE MOST EFFICIENT SERVICE, both in public worship and in private spheres. We are responsible to God for faithful and wise use of such a gift, and for the efficient culture of it. Impress on all who have the endowment the duty of using it for all gracious and loving and helpful ends in all the spheres where they may be set. - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. |
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