Topical Bible: Idolatry: Other Customs of Music

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In the biblical context, idolatry extends beyond the mere worship of graven images or false gods; it encompasses any practice or custom that diverts worship and reverence from the one true God. Music, a powerful and influential art form, has historically been intertwined with both worship and idolatry. The Bible provides numerous instances where music is used in the context of idolatrous practices, serving as a cautionary example for the faithful.

Music in Idolatrous Worship

The use of music in idolatrous worship is evident in several biblical accounts. In the book of Exodus, the Israelites, having grown impatient waiting for Moses to return from Mount Sinai, fashioned a golden calf and engaged in revelry. This revelry included music, as described in Exodus 32:18-19 : "But Moses replied: 'It is neither the cry of victory nor the cry of defeat; I hear the sound of singing.' As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned, and he threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain." Here, music and dancing are directly associated with the worship of an idol, highlighting the potential for music to lead hearts astray when not centered on God.

Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image

Another significant example is found in the book of Daniel, where King Nebuchadnezzar erected a massive golden image and commanded all peoples to worship it at the sound of music. Daniel 3:5 states: "As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up." The use of a diverse array of musical instruments underscores the role of music in compelling worship of the idol, demonstrating how music can be manipulated to enforce idolatrous practices.

The Prophets' Condemnation

The prophets frequently condemned the use of music in idolatrous contexts. Amos, for instance, rebuked the Israelites for their complacency and indulgence in music while neglecting justice and righteousness. Amos 6:5-6 criticizes those "who improvise to the sound of the harp and invent for themselves instruments of music like David, who drink wine by the bowlful and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph." Here, music is associated with self-indulgence and a lack of concern for spiritual and moral decay, illustrating how it can distract from true worship and devotion.

Music as a Tool for True Worship

While music can be misused in idolatrous practices, it is also a powerful tool for true worship when directed towards God. The Psalms, for example, are replete with exhortations to use music in praise and worship of the Lord. Psalm 150:3-5 encourages the use of various instruments: "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals." This demonstrates that music, when rightly oriented, serves as a means to glorify God and express devotion.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative presents music as a double-edged sword: it can either lead to idolatry or enhance true worship. Believers are thus called to discernment, ensuring that their musical expressions align with the worship of the one true God, avoiding the pitfalls of idolatrous customs.

Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 3:5-7
That at what time you hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... to questions of holy places, holy times, and holy customs. ... and in one shape or another
idolatry is the ... There is one other reason, dear friends, why spiritual ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

Luke of Prague and the High Church Reaction. 1473-1530.
... good deal of the Brethren's manners and customs; and now ... like Adam and Eve, and handed
each other apples ... Abram," he answered, "to forsake his idolatry and adore ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi luke of prague.htm

The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia.
... of others, and conform to all their customs, for their ... involved in the thick darkness
of ignorance and idolatry. ... The Holy Ghost had other purposes to accomplish ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvii the mission of.htm

The Brethren at Home.
... And yet, on the other hand, we know enough to enable ... denounced the adoration of the
host as idolatry; and thus ... and a common desire to revive the customs of the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the brethren at.htm

The Era of Persecution
... the statue of the emperor was wicked idolatry and entailed the ... the laws, the traditions,
and the customs of his ... no word of decision from her other than: "God's ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... from the waters, and became the originator of idolatry. ... a pile of frankincense, myrrh,
and other aromatic herbs ... might no longer serve the lawless customs of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

Reform
... with the false gods of this world's idolatry. ... when Episcopacy, Independency, Wesleyanism,
and every other system, must ... to be burned, then sinful customs are to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/reform.htm

In Judaea
... very legal observances, as certainly social customs, were different ... those in regard
to idolatry, incest, and ... in Gospel history; among other things representing ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

Hillis -- God the Unwearied Guide
... Perhaps no other Scripture has exerted so profound ... all but forgotten, their old customs
and manner ... Henceforth idolatry, injustice and sin became as monstrous ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/hillis god the unwearied.htm

Faustus Asserts that Even if the Old Testament could be Shown to ...
... their people a government under which heathen customs were condemned ... any among this
people fell into idolatry or demon ... colors, we may put it the other way; and ...
/.../faustus asserts that even if.htm