Overview
The Bible reveals music as a vital element of worship and community life. God ordained musicians and singers for temple service, and music accompanied Israel's greatest spiritual moments. Yet Scripture also warns that in judgment, music ceases as a sign of God's displeasure.
Key Scriptures
"David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy" (1 Chronicles 15:16, ESV).
"And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord. Then Solomon said, 'The Lord said that he would dwell in thick darkness. I have built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell forever.' And when all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord" (2 Chronicles 5:11-13, ESV).
Application
Use music intentionally to express worship, praise God's character, and encourage others in faith.
✦ Scripture References 40 references
✦ Topical Scripture Breakdown 171 verses
(Ceasing of,) of calamities
Appointed to be used in the temple
At consecration of temple
At coronation of kings
At dedication of city walls
At laying foundation of temple
Chambers for musicians in the temple, in Ezekiel's vision
Chief musician
Considered efficacious in mental disorders
Cornet
Custom of sending away friends with
Cymbals
Designed to promote joy
Discoursed during the offering of sacrifices
Dulcimer
Early invention of
Effects produced on the prophets of old by
Flute
Generally put aside in times of affliction
Great diversity of
Harp
In commemorating great men
In dances
In funeral ceremonies
In heaven
In private entertainments
In religious feasts
In sacred processions
Instrumental
Invented by David
Made of almug wood
Made of brass
Made of fir wood
Made of horns of animals
Made of silver
Many, with strings
Of heavenly felicity
Of joy and gladness
Often expensively ornamented
Organ
Physical effect of, on man
Pipe
Precentor
Psaltery
Sackbut
Tabret
Teachers of
The Jews celebrated for inventing
The movements of armies regulated by
Timbrel
To celebrate victories
Trumpet
Unclassified scriptures relating to
Used in idol worship
Vanity of all unsanctified
Viol
Vocal