Jump to: Topical • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical worship and religious practices, the concept of a choir is deeply rooted in the traditions of ancient Israel and the early Christian church. The choir, as a group of singers, played a significant role in the liturgical and ceremonial life of the community, particularly in the worship of God.Old Testament Background The use of choirs in worship can be traced back to the time of King David, who is credited with organizing the musical aspect of temple worship. David appointed the Levites to be in charge of the music in the house of the Lord, as seen in 1 Chronicles 15:16: "David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals." The Levites, particularly the descendants of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, were set apart for the ministry of music. 1 Chronicles 25:1-7 details the organization of these musicians, emphasizing their role in prophesying with lyres, harps, and cymbals. The choir was not merely for musical entertainment but was integral to the worship and prophetic ministry in the temple. During the dedication of Solomon's Temple, the choir played a pivotal role. 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 describes how the Levites, who were musicians, stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The harmonious sound of the choir and instruments was so powerful that "the house of the LORD was filled with a cloud," signifying the glory of the Lord. Post-Exilic Period After the Babylonian exile, the tradition of choral singing continued. Nehemiah 12:27-43 recounts the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, where two large choirs were appointed to give thanks. These choirs were part of a grand procession, highlighting the importance of music and singing in the restoration of worship practices. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly mention choirs in the same organized manner as the Old Testament, the early Christian church continued the tradition of singing as part of worship. Ephesians 5:19 encourages believers to speak to one another "with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord." Similarly, Colossians 3:16 exhorts the faithful to let "the word of Christ richly dwell within you, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." The Book of Revelation provides a glimpse of heavenly worship, where choirs of angels and redeemed saints sing praises to God. Revelation 5:9-10 describes a new song sung by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, praising the Lamb for His redemptive work. Theological Significance Theologically, the choir represents the unity and harmony of the body of Christ, as believers join together in one voice to glorify God. The choir serves as a symbol of the heavenly worship that believers anticipate, where all creation will sing praises to the Creator. The use of choirs in worship underscores the importance of music as a means of expressing devotion, teaching doctrine, and fostering community among believers. Conclusion Throughout biblical history, the choir has been a vital component of worship, reflecting the communal and celebratory aspects of faith. From the organized choirs of the Levites in the Old Testament to the spiritual songs of the early church, the tradition of choral singing continues to be a powerful expression of worship and adoration to God. Topical Bible Verses 2 Timothy 2:15Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Topicalbible.org Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A band or organized company of singers, especially in church service.2. (n.) That part of a church appropriated to the singers. Greek 5525. choros -- a dance, chorus ... dancing. Of uncertain derivation; a ring, ie Round dance ("choir" -- dancing. (choron) -- 1 Occurrence. 5524, 5525. choros. 5526 . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5525.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 3038. Yeduthun -- leader of a choir of the temple... leader of a choir of the temple. Transliteration: Yeduthun or Yeduthun Phonetic Spelling: (yed-oo-thoon') Short Definition: Jeduthun. ... /hebrew/3038.htm - 6k 8426. todah -- thanksgiving 1960. huyyedoth -- songs of praise 5329. natsach -- preeminent or enduring Library The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book Choir. Lord, have Mercy Upon Us. Excursus on the Choir Offices of the Early Church. Let Our Choir New Anthems Raise. Dear Crown of all the virgin-Choir The St. Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book The Whole Number of Spiritual Sheep; Man a Second Choir, after the ... High Mass, Requiems, Benediction Holy Saturday Music Responses after the "Magnificat" Thesaurus Choir (2 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) That part of a church appropriated to the singers. 3. (n.) The chancel. Multi-Version Concordance Choir (2 Occurrences). ... /c/choir.htm - 7k Psalms (44 Occurrences) Dance (18 Occurrences) Procession (11 Occurrences) Chorus (4 Occurrences) Choicest (32 Occurrences) Nave (19 Occurrences) Neginoth (6 Occurrences) Nehiloth (2 Occurrences) Jeduthun (15 Occurrences) Resources Do angels appear to people today? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jeduthun in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the harmony of the Gospels? | GotQuestions.org Choir: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Choir (2 Occurrences)Nehemiah 12:38 Habakkuk 3:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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