5420 music

Music played a major role in the lives of people in biblical times. It was used in both sacred and secular activities and was most often associated with joy and celebration.

Music comes from God

God’s presence inspires music Ps 96:13 See also Ps 98:4

It is a gift of God Job 35:10

Music was closely associated with praise and worship

Ps 33:2 See also Jdg 5:3; Ne 12:27; Ps 27:6; Ps 57:7; Ps 81:1-2; Ps 87:7; Ps 92:3; Ps 95:2; Ps 98:4; Ps 108:1; Ps 144:9; Ps 147:7; Ps 149:3; Ps 150:1-6; Eph 5:19-20; Col 3:16

Music was employed extensively in the tabernacle and the temple

1Ch 25:6-7 See also 1Ch 6:31-32; 1Ch 25:1; 2Ch 5:12-14; 2Ch 35:15; Ezr 2:65

Music and the psalms

Many psalms are dedicated to the “director of music” Ps 11:1 Title See also Ps 13:1 Title; Ps 31:1 Title; Ps 42:1 Title; Ps 49:1 Title; Ps 77:1 Title; Ps 139:1 Title; Hab 3:19

The titles of some psalms probably give an indication of melody Ps 9:1 Title See also Ps 22:1 Title; Ps 45:1 Title; Ps 56:1 Title; Ps 57:1 Title; Ps 58:1 Title; Ps 59:1 Title; Ps 60:1 Title; Ps 69:1 Title; Ps 75:1 Title; Ps 80:1 Title

The titles of some psalms indicate specific musical accompaniment Ps 4:1 Title See also Ps 5:1 Title; Ps 6:1 Title; Ps 54:1 Title; Ps 55:1 Title; Ps 61:1 Title; Ps 67:1 Title; Ps 76:1 Title; Hab 3:19

Uses of music

To celebrate victory 2Ch 20:27-28 See also Ex 15:1-21; Jdg 5:1-31; 1Sa 18:6-7; Isa 30:32

At times of celebration Ge 31:27 See also Job 21:12; Isa 16:10; La 5:14; Eze 26:13; Lk 15:25; Rev 18:22

At banquets

Isa 5:12 See also Am 6:4-6

As an expression of joy 1Sa 18:6-7 See also 2Sa 6:5; 1Ki 1:40; Job 21:12; Jas 5:13

For pleasure Ecc 2:8 See also 2Sa 19:35

For divine inspiration 2Ki 3:14-15; 1Sa 18:10

To relieve depression 1Sa 16:23 See also 1Sa 16:16-18

At times of mourning 2Sa 1:17-18; Mt 9:23 See also Job 30:31; Job 35:10; Jer 48:36

Prophets sometimes prophesied to musical accompaniment

1Sa 10:5-6 See also 2Ki 3:14-19

Lack of music is a sign of judgment

Isa 24:8 See also Rev 18:22

Music in pagan worship

Da 3:5 See also Da 3:7,10,15

Music played by prostitutes

Isa 23:16

The misuse of music

Ps 69:12 See also Ps 137:3; Da 3:4-7; Am 5:23; Am 6:5

See also