Topical Bible: Music: Divided Into: Vocal

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Introduction

Music holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, serving as a means of worship, expression, and communication. Vocal music, in particular, is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its importance in both personal devotion and communal worship. This entry explores the role and significance of vocal music in the Bible, drawing from various passages to illustrate its use and purpose.

Old Testament

In the Old Testament, vocal music is often associated with worship and celebration. The Psalms, a collection of songs and prayers, are a primary example of vocal music in Scripture. Many of these psalms were intended to be sung, as indicated by their musical notations and instructions. For instance, Psalm 95:1 invites the faithful to sing: "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation!"

The Israelites used vocal music in various aspects of their religious life. During the Exodus, after crossing the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites sang a song of triumph and praise to the Lord (Exodus 15:1-21). This song, often referred to as the Song of Moses, is one of the earliest examples of vocal music in the Bible, celebrating God's deliverance and power.

Vocal music also played a role in the Temple worship established by King David. He appointed Levites to sing and play instruments before the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 15:16). This tradition continued in the Temple built by Solomon, where vocal music was an integral part of the worship services (2 Chronicles 5:13).

New Testament

In the New Testament, vocal music continues to be a vital expression of faith and worship. Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn after the Last Supper, as recorded in Matthew 26:30 : "And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." This indicates the use of vocal music in early Christian gatherings.

The Apostle Paul encourages the use of vocal music in the life 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 hearts to the Lord." Similarly, in Colossians 3:16 , Paul exhorts believers to "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you 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."

The Book of Revelation also depicts scenes of heavenly worship, where vocal music is prominent. Revelation 5:9 describes the heavenly beings singing a new song to the Lamb: "And they sang a new song: 'Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.'"

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, vocal music is a powerful tool for worship, teaching, and expressing the deep emotions of the human heart. It serves as a bridge between the divine and the earthly, allowing believers to connect with God and one another through song.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 19:35
I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? why then should your servant be yet a burden to my lord the king?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 16:25
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God: and the prisoners heard them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Degrees of Enjoyment through the Glorified Senses.
... precisely in those parts where the uneducated perceive little or no beauty, because
the music is too ... We have divided these persons into three classes, but ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xv degrees of enjoyment.htm

Several Degrees and Stations in an Internal Life; as the Three ...
... whole course of a spiritual life is divided: 1. into ... driving her more profoundly
and intimately into God ... all arts and sciences, as (for example) music or poetry ...
/.../chapter i several degrees and.htm

Christian Ballads.
... by the above line, has been divided into stanzas of ... them, though these have practically
passed into oblivion. ... He studied music, and became a vocalist and vocal ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter vi christian ballads.htm

Why Man's Form is Upright; and that Hands were Given Him Because ...
... that which has sense is again divided into rational and ... as you may see musicians
producing their music according to the ... that when struck by the vocal organs it ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/viii why mans form is.htm

The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple
... who marched behind him torch in hand, divided into two companies ... is it that comes
first of all into your minds ... but bids us fill the night with music and with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the charge of the watchers.htm

Chapter nineteen
... quartet choir was famous for its music, especially for ... must have been; and it has
divided the church ... the element of personal love introduced into the business. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter nineteen.htm

The British Advance, 1801-1856.
... "The music taught," said Christian Ignatuis La Trobe, "is both vocal and instrumental ...
under the rule of the UEC, was to be divided into three independent ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v the british advance.htm

Missionary Hymns.
... Master Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, See ... the saints have trod; We are
not divided, All one ... Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan, Doctor of Music, who wrote ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

The General Conference of 1820
... and partly because of its being divided into two books ... general, but of sacred poetry
and music in particular ... inspiring sounds of sacred and vocal music, but must ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm

The Speaking Voice
... He is the victim of a divided psychology ... is the infallible declaration of His mind
for us put into our familiar ... away and the only sound will be the music of Thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/vi the speaking voice.htm