Topical Bible: Music: The Jews Used: At Consecration of Temple

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Topical Encyclopedia

The use of music in the consecration of the Temple holds a significant place in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel. Music, as an expression of worship and celebration, was intricately woven into the fabric of Jewish religious ceremonies, particularly during the consecration of sacred spaces such as the Temple.

Biblical Account of the Temple Consecration

The most detailed account of music used during the consecration of the Temple is found in the narrative of Solomon's Temple dedication. In 2 Chronicles 5:12-14 , the Levites, who were the appointed musicians, played a central role in the ceremony:

"All the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. 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 house—the house of the LORD—was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God."

Instruments and Participants

The passage highlights the use of various musical instruments, including cymbals, harps, lyres, and trumpets. The Levites, who were set apart for temple service, were responsible for the musical aspect of the ceremony. The presence of 120 priests with trumpets underscores the grandeur and solemnity of the occasion. The unified voice of the musicians and singers symbolized the collective worship and adoration of the people towards God.

Purpose and Significance

Music during the consecration served multiple purposes. It was an expression of joy and reverence, acknowledging God's presence and His covenant faithfulness. The phrase "For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever" reflects a common refrain in Israelite worship, emphasizing God's enduring mercy and goodness.

The filling of the Temple with a cloud, signifying the glory of the LORD, was a divine response to the worship offered. This theophany confirmed God's acceptance of the Temple as His dwelling place among His people.

Cultural and Theological Context

In the broader cultural and theological context, music in the Temple consecration was not merely an artistic expression but a vital component of worship that facilitated a deeper connection between the divine and the human. It was a means of consecrating the space, setting it apart for holy purposes, and inviting God's presence among His people.

The use of music in this context also reflects the structured and organized nature of worship in ancient Israel, where specific roles and instruments were designated for particular religious functions. This orderliness in worship underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and intentionality.

Legacy and Influence

The tradition of using music in temple worship continued throughout Israel's history and influenced subsequent Jewish worship practices. The Psalms, many of which were composed for temple worship, reflect the enduring legacy of music as a central element of Jewish religious life. The consecration of the Temple set a precedent for the use of music in worship that resonates through the ages, highlighting its power to unite, inspire, and draw the worshiper closer to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 5:11-13
And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... abused (Acts 28:22); later the Jews wrote of ... word here translated "thoughts" is
generally used to signify ... were probably night services of sacred music held in ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... impressive were the ceremonies on the day of its consecration. ... May all our persuasions
be constantly used to bring poor ... tie up the church of the Jews to types ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
... of the books now under consideration, used them at ... the Levites who had charge of
the temple music; and, in general, the deep reverence of the Jews for their ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xv formation and history.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... viol; that devise for themselves instruments of music, like David ... Good Samaritan
doubt that fiction may be used in Sacred ... Jonah as a rebuke to the Jews who had ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... First came the merry sounds of music; then they who ... are ranged, after the manner
of the Jews,' for purification ... and after eating, but also of the vessels used. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

Joseph and Nicodemus
... very blunt fashion"'For fear of the Jews.' That is ... offensive weapons which would
have been used against them ... turn our silence into melody and music of praise ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/joseph and nicodemus.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... through which the chosen ones among the Jews came to ... as to what prayers should be
used for this ... is remembered that Solomon celebrated the consecration of his ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... services of the temple, especially of its music; and the ... with a sense of relief,
that the Jews themselves long ... and "wire," in the sense here used, had never ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

The Mustard Seed: a Sermon for the Sabbath-School Teacher
... small one; so very, very small that the Jews were accustomed ... the Lord Jesus, you
are sowing the music of heaven. ... to so much if it be properly used, blessed and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mustard seed a sermon.htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... And now, as the blessed Presbyter used to say ... who was the Passover, propitiously
sacrificed by the Jews. ... 3. Gladness there is, and music, and dances; although ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm