Topical Bible: Music: Custom of Sending Away Friends With

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, music played a significant role in the cultural and religious life of the people of Israel. It was not only a form of worship and celebration but also a means of expressing emotions and marking significant events. One of the customs that involved music was the sending away of friends or loved ones, often accompanied by songs and musical instruments.

Biblical Context

The use of music in farewells is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, but the cultural context and various scriptural references suggest that music was an integral part of such occasions. Music was a common element in both joyous and somber events, indicating its versatility and importance in ancient Israelite society.

Examples and Implications

1. Celebratory Send-offs: In the context of celebrations, music was often used to send off friends or loved ones with joy and blessings. For instance, when David returned from battle, women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and tambourines (1 Samuel 18:6). This indicates that music was a customary way to honor and celebrate individuals, which could extend to farewells.

2. Musical Instruments: The use of musical instruments such as lyres, harps, tambourines, and cymbals was prevalent in biblical times. These instruments were often used in processions and gatherings, suggesting that they could have been part of farewell ceremonies as well. The Psalms frequently mention instruments in the context of worship and celebration, highlighting their role in communal and personal expressions of emotion (e.g., Psalm 150:3-5).

3. Emotional Expression: Music in the Bible is often associated with expressing deep emotions, whether joy, sorrow, or longing. In Genesis 31:27, Laban reproaches Jacob for leaving secretly, saying, "Why did you flee secretly and deceive me without telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps" . This passage suggests that music was a customary part of a proper and honorable farewell.

4. Cultural Practices: The cultural practices of neighboring nations also influenced Israelite customs. Music was a common feature in the ancient Near East for various ceremonies, including farewells. The Israelites, while distinct in their worship of Yahweh, shared some cultural practices with their neighbors, including the use of music in social and religious contexts.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, music as a part of farewells can be seen as a reflection of the communal and relational nature of God's people. It underscores the importance of community, celebration, and the acknowledgment of God's presence in all aspects of life. Music, as a gift from God, serves to unite people, express shared emotions, and offer blessings as individuals embark on new journeys.

In summary, while the Bible does not provide explicit accounts of music being used specifically for sending away friends, the cultural and scriptural evidence suggests that music was an integral part of such occasions. It served to honor, celebrate, and express the emotions of those involved, reflecting the broader role of music in the life of the Israelite community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 31:27
Why did you flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and did not tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jesus Comforting his Friends.
... with those who had come, after the custom of the ... So he tarried outside the village,
probably sending a message ... angel's shining form, nor hears the music of his ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xi jesus comforting his.htm

"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
... In sending the healed leper to the priests, He gave them ... According to their custom,
His disciples sat close about Him ... Now, in words that fell like music on the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 27 thou canst make.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... the seething and silent grave of millions, sending up a ... O, the tones, The sweet,
the thrilling music of a ... After the eastern custom in time of affliction, he ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

The Allies of the Tempter.
... But there are moral swamps, sending up their foul steam ... the ocean, and makes the
silent music that rolls ... Yes: concerning any custom, you have not only yourself ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse vi the allies of.htm

Knox Little -- Thirst Satisfied
... activity of the hearts and minds of Englishmen, sending out the ... end of your church,
after the old custom of your ... Suppose you ask a master in music, "How am I ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/knox little thirst satisfied.htm

On the Words, Crucified and Buried.
... 4, 3." (RWC) The custom of sending the bread of the ... p. 308) says--"It was a custom
in the ancient Church ... laity to take any part in the Church music, but only to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiii on the words.htm

Matt. x. 34
... workman is worthy of his hire;" secondly, by sending them forth ... It was the custom
of the Rhodians particularly ... with soot;...and used to dance to music in honor ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxv matt x 34.htm

His First Continental Journey.
... a tandem horse (vorspann) and a guide, and sending on their ... were subjected to no
delay at the Custom-house, but ... with my not paying for the music after dinner ...
/.../chapter vi his first continental.htm

A Woman's Memorial
... at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens ... if the custom be but a shekel, is the shekel
all he is to ... Christ may be but sending you, as it were, to take hold of one ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a womans memorial.htm

The Pastor's Parting Blessing
... of anything like priestism has led us to this custom. ... Their music is not silent,
nor is it impotent at this ... Both the grace implied in the sending of the Messiah ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the pastors parting blessing.htm