In ancient Israel, music played a significant role in the religious, cultural, and political life of the people. One of the most notable occasions for the use of music was the coronation of kings. The coronation ceremonies were grand events that involved various musical elements, reflecting the importance of the monarchy in the life of the nation and the divine approval of the king's rule.

Biblical Instances of Music at Coronations:

1. Coronation of King Solomon:
The coronation of Solomon, the son of David, is one of the most detailed accounts of a royal coronation in the Bible. The event was marked by a significant musical celebration. In 1 Kings 1:39-40 , it is recorded: "Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people proclaimed, 'Long live King Solomon!' And all the people went up after him, playing flutes and rejoicing with great joy, so that the ground shook with the sound."

The use of trumpets and flutes, along with the collective rejoicing of the people, highlights the communal and celebratory nature of the coronation. The trumpet, in particular, was a significant instrument in Israel, often used to signal important events and divine interventions.

2. Coronation of King Jehoash:
Another example is found in the coronation of Jehoash (Joash), as described in 2 Kings 11:12-14 : "Then Jehoiada brought out the king’s son, put the crown on him, and presented him with the Testimony. They proclaimed him king and anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, 'Long live the king!' When Athaliah heard the noise from the guards and the people, she went out to the people in the house of the LORD."

The clapping of hands and the shouting of the people were integral parts of the musical and celebratory atmosphere, signifying the people's acceptance and joy at the anointing of their new king.

Instruments and Musical Elements:

The musical elements at these coronations often included a variety of instruments and vocal expressions. Trumpets were particularly prominent, serving as a symbol of royal authority and divine sanction. Flutes and other wind instruments added to the festive atmosphere, while vocal acclamations and the clapping of hands expressed the people's enthusiasm and support.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the use of music at coronations was not merely a cultural practice but also a reflection of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The anointing of a king was seen as an act of divine appointment, and the accompanying music underscored the sacredness of the occasion. The joyous sounds of music and the people's acclamations were expressions of gratitude and hope for the king's righteous and prosperous reign under God's guidance.

In summary, music at the coronation of kings in ancient Israel was a multifaceted expression of celebration, divine approval, and communal unity. It played a crucial role in marking the transition of power and the establishment of a new era under God's chosen leader.2 Chronicles 23:11,13
Then they brought out the king's son, and put on him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... now; these ears are not fitted for such music; these souls ... scoffed at with "Hail,
king of the Jews;" but we ... out of your parish." But Rowland Hill used to say ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

Hymns of Praise and Worship.
... of the "spirit and understanding" with which it used to be ... is more widely known as
a composer of sacred music. ... drest in living green; So to the Jews old Canaan ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter i hymns of praise.htm

Hosanna!
... "Vox populi, vox Dei" they used to say ... Persians said, "O King, live for ever." The
Jews cried, "Hosanna ... shrieks and groans, we hear the ringing music of children ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/hosanna.htm

Concerning Persecution
... martyrs said, The ringing of my chain has been sweet music in my ... him, and mocked
him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews' (Matthew 27:29 ... Are you ignominiously used? ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the peoples of the East"Absalom's rebellion; the coronation of Solomon. ... These are
the words used in the ... prophets, or to the period when the Jews, without any ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... enemies, serviceable as a Christian.'[32] 'Let kings have that ... the Book of Sports,
to be used on Sundays ... as I found afterwards, that there was music and dancing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

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