Topical Bible: Music: Generally Put Aside in Times of Affliction

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In the biblical narrative, music holds a significant place as a form of worship, celebration, and expression of joy. However, there are instances where music is notably absent or set aside during times of affliction, mourning, or divine judgment. This abstention from music serves as a reflection of the somberness of the situation and the gravity of the emotions being experienced.

One of the most poignant examples of music being put aside is found in the Book of Job. Job, a man described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), experiences profound suffering and loss. In his lament, Job reflects on the reversal of fortunes, where joy and music are replaced by mourning: "My harp is tuned to mourning, and my flute to the sound of weeping" (Job 30:31). Here, the instruments that once produced music for joy and celebration are now associated with sorrow and lamentation.

Similarly, the Book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, captures the desolation of Jerusalem following its destruction. The absence of music is a symbol of the city's devastation and the people's grief: "The joy of our hearts has ceased; our dancing has turned to mourning" (Lamentations 5:15). The cessation of music and dance underscores the depth of the national tragedy and the people's profound sense of loss.

In the Psalms, music is often a vehicle for praise and thanksgiving, yet there are moments when the psalmists express a withdrawal from music due to distress. Psalm 137 poignantly describes the Israelites' captivity in Babylon, where they are unable to sing the songs of Zion in a foreign land: "How can we sing a song of the LORD in a foreign land?" (Psalm 137:4). The harps are hung upon the willows, symbolizing the suspension of musical expression in the face of exile and longing for their homeland.

The prophetic literature also reflects this theme. In the Book of Amos, the prophet warns of impending judgment and the resulting silence of music: "I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation" (Amos 8:10). This prophetic declaration highlights the transformation of joyous occasions into times of sorrow, where music is replaced by lament.

In the New Testament, while music is not explicitly mentioned as being set aside during affliction, the early Christian community is depicted as enduring persecution and trials with a focus on prayer and steadfast faith. The absence of musical references in these contexts may suggest a prioritization of spiritual resilience over celebratory expressions.

Throughout Scripture, the setting aside of music during times of affliction serves as a powerful metaphor for the human experience of suffering and the appropriate response to divine judgment. It reflects a deep awareness of the gravity of the moment and a turning inward to seek solace and understanding in the midst of trials.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 137:2-4
We hanged our harps on the willows in the middle thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 6:18
Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Altogether Lovely
... It generally happens that to the noblest building there is ... The second use to which
we would put the verse ... I hear enchanting music, which seems more a thing of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/altogether lovely.htm

Watkinson -- the Transfigured Sackcloth
... And men generally are willing to dupe themselves touching ... vain, cynical girl wrote,
"I will put on as ... present distress shall spring the supreme music of the ...
/.../the worlds great sermons volume 8/watkinson the transfigured sackcloth.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... it now; these ears are not fitted for such music; these souls ... grave, angels shall
stand by my bier; and, when put into the ... A monarch generally commands respect ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

The Snare of the Fowler
... at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. ... us remember that the snare of the fowler
is generally connected with ... I repulsed her once and again, but she put by my ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the snare of the fowler.htm

The Comforter
... and plead with me, then truly his words are music; they taste ... to charm away all our
troubles, and we put it away ... Now, that is very generally revealed nonsense. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the comforter.htm

The Potter and the Clay
... God's will, and Adam's, were than like unisons in music. ... and quickly is it covered,
or put out and ... strength, since the best improvement they generally make of ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the potter and the clay.htm

The Song of a City, and the Pearl of Peace
... Let our music never cease. ... Generally, I grant you, we are led into this peace by
the consideration of ... Within a short time you shall put on the garments of your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the song of a city.htm

Introduction.
... pricked at random, would constitute a bar of music. ... Emendations of a literary nature
ought generally to coincide ... will avail himself of the songs put into his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/introduction.htm

Christ Crucified
... the call comes to a peculiar character, it generally comes with ... She speaketh, and
there is music in her voice ... Whatever I read I know where to put it; whatever I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christ crucified.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... devise for themselves instruments of music, like David ... English version was made,
is generally better than ... entertained this belief, and put this interpretation ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm