Topical Bible: Music: The Jews Used: At Laying Foundation of Temple

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Topical Encyclopedia

The use of music in Jewish worship and ceremonies is a significant aspect of their religious and cultural life, deeply rooted in the traditions and commandments given by God. One notable instance of music in Jewish history is during the laying of the foundation of the Second Temple, as recorded in the book of Ezra.

Biblical Context

After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua to rebuild the Temple. This event marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, symbolizing the restoration of worship and the reestablishment of their covenant relationship with God. The laying of the foundation of the Temple was not merely a construction project but a deeply spiritual event, celebrated with music and praise.

Scriptural Reference

Ezra 3:10-11 provides a vivid description of this occasion: "When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD: 'For He is good; His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.' And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid."

Musical Instruments and Participants

The passage highlights the use of specific musical instruments and the involvement of particular groups in the celebration. The priests played trumpets, and the Levites, descendants of Asaph, played cymbals. This arrangement was in accordance with the ordinances established by King David, who had organized the musical worship in the first Temple (1 Chronicles 15:16-24). The use of trumpets and cymbals was not arbitrary; these instruments were integral to the worship practices and were used to signal important religious events and celebrations.

Role of the Levites

The Levites, particularly the sons of Asaph, played a crucial role in the musical aspect of worship. Asaph was one of the chief musicians appointed by David, and his descendants continued this legacy. Their involvement in the laying of the foundation of the Temple underscores the continuity of worship practices from the time of David to the post-exilic period. The Levites' role was not only to play instruments but also to lead the people in singing praises to God, emphasizing the communal aspect of worship.

Theological Significance

The music used at the laying of the foundation of the Temple was an expression of joy, gratitude, and hope. The lyrics of the song, "For He is good; His loving devotion to Israel endures forever," reflect a deep theological truth about God's enduring faithfulness and mercy. This proclamation was a reminder to the people of God's covenant promises and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people, even after a period of judgment and exile.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The use of music in this context served to unite the people in a shared expression of faith and devotion. It was a powerful tool for reinforcing their identity as God's people and for fostering a sense of community and purpose. The celebration at the laying of the foundation of the Temple set a precedent for future generations, highlighting the importance of music in worship and its role in expressing theological truths and communal joy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 3:9,10
Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brothers, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brothers the Levites.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Return of the Exiles
... Daniel from the den of lions had been used of God ... about fifty thousand strong, from
among the Jews in the ... Yet mingled with the music and the shouts of praise ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

Final Settlement of the Church by St. John
... nave, answering to the court of the Jews, and appropriated ... answering to the Holy
of Holies, used only for ... offer Him the praise of instrumental music; they have ...
/.../a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter iv final settlement of.htm

The Poetical Books.
... precious to many generations not only of Jews, but also ... First is the famous "Selah,"
which we used to hear ... which you find over the staff on your sheet music. ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

In Judaea
... laity, who took part in the instrumental music of the ... In truth, every effort was
used to make Jerusalem ... Jews and Greeks, Roman soldiers and Galilean peasants ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... was nothing like this with the Jews, they did ... can take delight; but your architecture,
your music and your ... or our own majestic buildings still used for sacred ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

The Spokesman of the City's Conscience
... At one time after presiding at a mass meeting in Music Hall held to ... On the rare
occasions when Jews change their religion, they usually do so ... Used by permission ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/the spokesman of the citys.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... not, as we read of, proselyted to the Jews religion. ... Take heed, I say therefore,
of laying of the trouble of ... the destroying of his soul, shall be used for the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... This is like physic used in a desperate case and ... of pity sound, then our alms make
sweet music in the ... Besides, at the Jews, solemn festivals, the poor were to ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... to lay his head'-of whom the Jews said, 'How ... and in this treatise his biblical treasures
are wisely used. He begins with the foundation of the walls, and shows ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.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