Topical Encyclopedia The concept of music in the Bible is deeply intertwined with worship, celebration, and expression of emotion. Music is portrayed as a divine gift and a powerful medium for communication with God. Throughout the Scriptures, music is used in various forms, including singing, playing instruments, and composing psalms and hymns.Old Testament In the Old Testament, music plays a significant role in religious and communal life. The earliest mention of music is found in Genesis 4:21, where Jubal is described as "the father of all who play the harp and flute." Music was integral to worship and was often used in conjunction with sacrifices and offerings. The Levites, a tribe set apart for temple service, were responsible for the musical aspects of worship (1 Chronicles 15:16-22). King David, a central figure in the history of Israel, was a skilled musician and composer. He is credited with many of the Psalms, which were intended to be sung with musical accompaniment. In 1 Samuel 16:23, David's skill with the harp is noted for its soothing effect on King Saul: "Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take the harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." The Book of Psalms, often referred to as the hymnbook of ancient Israel, contains numerous references to music and musical instruments. Psalm 150, for example, is a call to praise God with various instruments: "Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre" (Psalm 150:3). New Testament In the New Testament, music continues to be an important aspect of Christian worship and community life. Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn after the Last Supper, as recorded in Matthew 26:30: "When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." This indicates the continuation of musical tradition in early Christian practice. The Apostle Paul encourages the use of music in worship and edification of the church. In Ephesians 5:19, he writes, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord." Similarly, in Colossians 3:16, Paul exhorts believers to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly 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." Instruments and Singing The Bible mentions a variety of musical instruments, including the harp, lyre, trumpet, cymbals, and tambourine. These instruments were used in both sacred and secular contexts. Singing, often accompanied by these instruments, was a common form of expression and communication. The role of music in the Bible is not limited to worship alone. It is also associated with celebration, as seen in the victory songs of Miriam and Deborah (Exodus 15:20-21; Judges 5:1-31), and in expressions of lament and sorrow, as in the book of Lamentations. Theological Significance Music in the Bible is often seen as a reflection of the order and beauty of God's creation. It serves as a means of expressing the inexpressible, conveying emotions and truths that words alone cannot capture. Music is a vehicle for praise, thanksgiving, and the proclamation of God's mighty works. In summary, music holds a prominent place in biblical history and theology, serving as a vital component of worship, community life, and personal devotion. It is a gift from God that enriches the spiritual life of believers and glorifies the Creator. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to music; having the qualities Of music; or the power Of producing music; devoted to music; melodious; harmonious; as, musical proportion; a musical voice; musical instruments; a musical sentence; musical persons.2. (n.) Music. 3. (n.) A social entertainment of which music is the leading feature; a musical party. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MUSICAL INSTRUMENTSmu'-zi-kal in'-stroo-ments (shiddah we-shiddoth): "I gat me.... musical instruments, and that of all sorts" (Ecclesiastes 2:8). Thus the King James Version and the American Standard Revised Version; the English Revised Version and the American Revised Version margin "concubines very many." The word occurs only here; the meaning is not certain, but it has nothing to do with music. Greek 5568. psalmos -- a striking (of musical strings), a psalm ... a striking (of musical strings), a psalm. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: psalmos Phonetic Spelling: (psal-mos') Short Definition: a psalm ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5568.htm - 7k 5353. phthoggos -- a sound 3044. Linos -- Linus, a Christian 5475. chalkos -- copper or bronze 5567. psallo -- to pull, twitch, twang, play, sing 3451. mousikos -- skilled in the arts (esp. music) Strong's Hebrew 4953. mashroqi -- a (musical) pipe... 4952, 4953. mashroqi. 4954 . a (musical) pipe. Transliteration: mashroqi Phonetic Spelling: (mash-ro-kee') Short Definition: flute. ... /hebrew/4953.htm - 6k 7991b. shalish -- (a musical instrument) perhaps a sistrum 1761. dachavah -- perhaps a musical instrument 5155. nechilah -- perhaps flute (a musical instrument). 5443. sabbeka -- trigon (a musical instrument) 4517. menaanea -- probably (a kind of musical) rattle 1761a. dachavah -- perhaps a musical instrument 5748. uggab -- (a reed musical instrument) perhaps a flute 6767d. tseltselim -- (percussion musical instrument) perhaps ... 1665. Gittith -- a musical term of unc. meaning. Library Music for Forty Hours' Adoration Musical Programme The Test by Fire Preface. Footnites Letter xvii. Harmony of Christian Character. The Power of Harmony in Relation to Prayer. Composition and Style Whether God Should be Praised with Song? On the Psalms. I. Pythagoras; his Cosmogony; Rules of his Sect; Discoverer of ... Thesaurus Musical (14 Occurrences)... Of or pertaining to music; having the qualities Of music; or the power Of producing music; devoted to music; melodious; harmonious; as, musical proportion; a ... /m/musical.htm - 12k Melody (55 Occurrences) Note (129 Occurrences) Instrument (45 Occurrences) Cymbal (1 Occurrence) Psalms (44 Occurrences) Viol (2 Occurrences) Whistle (3 Occurrences) Flute (16 Occurrences) Flourish (26 Occurrences) Resources Are we supposed to use musical instruments in church? | GotQuestions.orgTo what do the various musical terms in the book of Psalms refer? | GotQuestions.org Is the musical Godspell biblically accurate? | GotQuestions.org Musical: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Musical (14 Occurrences)1 Samuel 18:6 1 Chronicles 15:16 1 Chronicles 16:5 1 Chronicles 16:42 1 Chronicles 23:5 2 Chronicles 5:13 2 Chronicles 7:6 2 Chronicles 23:13 2 Chronicles 29:26 2 Chronicles 34:12 Nehemiah 12:36 Psalms 46:1 Ecclesiastes 2:8 Amos 6:5 Subtopics Musical Instruments of the Hebrews Related Terms |
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