Topical Bible: Music: Physical Effect of, on Man

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Music, as depicted in the Bible, holds a significant place in the life and worship of God's people, influencing both the spiritual and physical realms of human experience. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where music impacts the physical state of individuals, often serving as a conduit for divine intervention, emotional expression, and communal unity.

1. Calming and Healing Effects: One of the most notable examples of music's physical effect is found in the relationship between David and King Saul. When Saul was tormented by an evil spirit, David played the harp to soothe him. The music brought relief and peace to Saul, demonstrating music's power to calm the troubled spirit and alleviate physical distress. "Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play, and relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him" (1 Samuel 16:23).

2. Stirring Emotions and Actions: Music in the Bible often stirs emotions and prompts action. In Exodus 15, after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites sang a song of triumph, which not only expressed their gratitude but also physically energized the people in their journey. The song served as a rallying cry, invigorating the community with a sense of divine victory and purpose.

3. Facilitating Worship and Spiritual Experiences: Music is integral to worship, enhancing the physical and spiritual experience of the worshiper. In 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, during the dedication of Solomon's Temple, the musicians and singers played in unison, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple, so much so that the priests could not stand to minister. "The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: 'For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.' Then the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud" (2 Chronicles 5:13). This passage illustrates how music can physically manifest God's presence, overwhelming the senses and creating a profound spiritual encounter.

4. Encouraging Unity and Community: Music also plays a role in fostering unity among God's people. In Nehemiah 12:27-43, during the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were brought to celebrate with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres. The physical act of making music together strengthened communal bonds and unified the people in their shared purpose and joy.

5. Expressing Lament and Sorrow: Music is not only for celebration but also for expressing lament and sorrow. The book of Lamentations, attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, is a collection of poetic laments for the destruction of Jerusalem. These laments, likely sung or chanted, allowed the people to physically express their grief and seek comfort in their shared suffering.

6. Inspiring Courage and Confidence: In the New Testament, music continues to have a profound physical effect. In Acts 16:25-26, Paul and Silas, imprisoned in Philippi, sang hymns to God. Their singing not only uplifted their spirits but also led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them from their chains. "About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone's chains came loose" (Acts 16:25-26). This event underscores music's ability to inspire courage and invoke divine intervention.

Throughout the Bible, music is portrayed as a powerful force that affects the physical and spiritual well-being of individuals and communities. It serves as a means of divine communication, emotional expression, and communal solidarity, demonstrating its profound impact on the human experience.

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1 Samuel 6:15,16
And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD, and the coffer that was with it, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone: and the men of Bethshemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day to the LORD.
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Library

Effects Require Causes
... Rest, physical rest, moral rest, spiritual rest, every kind of ... is to make one humble;
and the effect of being ... nature, nor in poetry, nor in music"though in ...
/.../the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/effects require causes.htm

The Preacher as a Man of the Word.
... as when they see it reflected in a physical image. ... hearers in their own tongue with
such effect that the ... To have the music of Shakespeare or Milton echoing in ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iv the preacher as.htm

Vision and SerVice
... drop down rain, and, as in the physical world, every ... The effect of the vision on
the prophet."The ... but feel the difference between the mighty music that burst ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/vision and service.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... their clothes, and shoes, and even their physical frame forgot ... left Egypt by means
of singing and music; and what ... brief moment of time through the effect of a ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

Human Inability
... at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens ... to human nature that, although, so far as
physical and mental ... It is but the effect of the fall, that man should love sin ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/human inability.htm

In the Lions' Den
... made, was unalterable and must be carried into effect. ... night fasting: neither were
instruments of music brought before ... is near to deliver from physical harm or ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 44 in the lions.htm

The Misery of Man Without God
... me for the ignorance of the physical sciences. 68. ... Too many concords are annoying
in music; too many ... Since everything, then, is cause and effect, dependent and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ii the misery of.htm

The Spirit of the Law
... are woven together in the final burst of music. ... and more blessed sense than that
our physical existence is ... from God is capable of producing a double effect. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the spirit of the law.htm

"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
... Now, in words that fell like music on the ... There are today thousands suffering from
physical disease, who ... The effect produced upon the people by the healing of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 27 thou canst make.htm

The Programme of the Society
... away from modern cities the paintings, the monuments, the music for the ... Physical
beauty makes moral beauty ... and she will tell you there is a moral effect even in ...
/.../the programme of the society.htm