Topical Bible: Music: (Ceasing of) of Calamities

◄ Music: (Ceasing of) of Calamities ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, music often serves as a powerful expression of worship, celebration, and communal identity. However, the cessation of music is frequently depicted as a symbol of calamity, judgment, or mourning. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the profound impact of music on the spiritual and emotional life of God's people.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several instances where the cessation of music signifies divine judgment or national disaster. In the prophetic literature, the silencing of music is often associated with the downfall of cities and nations. For example, in Isaiah 24:8, the prophet declares, "The joyful tambourines have ceased; the noise of revelers has stopped; the joyful harp is silent." This passage underscores the desolation that accompanies God's judgment, where the absence of music reflects the loss of joy and normalcy.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 7:34, the prophet warns of impending judgment on Judah, stating, "I will remove from the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp." Here, the cessation of music and celebration is a poignant indicator of the severity of the calamity that will befall the people due to their disobedience.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the theme of music ceasing is less prominent but still present. The Book of Revelation, with its apocalyptic imagery, echoes the Old Testament motif. Revelation 18:22 describes the fall of Babylon with the words, "And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again." This passage highlights the totality of Babylon's destruction, where the absence of music signifies the end of its cultural and economic vitality.

Theological Implications

The cessation of music in times of calamity serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of divine judgment. It reflects a world out of harmony with God's intended order, where joy and celebration are replaced by silence and mourning. This theme calls believers to reflect on the spiritual state of their communities and the importance of aligning with God's will to avoid such desolation.

Moreover, the restoration of music in the biblical narrative often accompanies themes of redemption and renewal. The return of music signifies the restoration of God's favor and the renewal of His covenant with His people. Thus, while the cessation of music marks calamity, its restoration heralds hope and divine restoration.

Conclusion

In summary, the cessation of music in the Bible is a profound symbol of calamity and divine judgment. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Yet, it also points to the hope of restoration and the promise of renewed joy for those who return to the Lord. As such, the theme of music ceasing in times of calamity is a powerful motif that resonates throughout the biblical narrative, offering both a warning and a promise to the faithful.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 24:8,9
The mirth of tabrets ceases, the noise of them that rejoice ends, the joy of the harp ceases.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 18:22
And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in you; and no craftsman, of whatever craft he be, shall be found any more in you; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in you;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer in the Unconverted.
... who, estranged from prayer, in sudden calamities bend the ... it could produce the purest
tones and fairest music. ... but like him would curse God without ceasing. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xli prayer in the unconverted.htm

Homiletical.
... Wherefore it does sometimes come to pass that the calamities of war ... [681] So great
is the importance, alike in music and in ... "Ought we to pray without ceasing? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... the misery caused by this never-ceasing contention, at ... had already suffered all the
calamities consequent on ... God breathes through him, as sweet music through a ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... fall, such are all his offspring, even subject to sin, death, and sundry calamities. ...
faith that he should be idle, but rather that without ceasing he should do ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... Prayer without ceasing. ... straits the goodness of God so shines upon them, that while
they groan, burdened by the weight of present calamities, and tormented ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... completes the whole by the portions, and encompasses the universe with a single
all-controlling force, self-centred and self-contained, never ceasing from its ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... and gayly appareled horses, in splendid uniforms and wearing decorations, and see
how they ride to the harmonious and solemn strains of music before the ranks ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... When thou hast told the world of all these things, Then turn about, my book, and
touch these strings, Which, if but touch'd, will such music make, They'll make ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm