Music: Loving God with all our being

Music is a form of communication in which sounds, pitches, rhythms and ideas are artistically presented for an audience to hear and appreciate. In our earthly lives, it requires such physical things as instruments, voices, ears and brains. But when we look at the Biblical references to music, we realize that it is something that spirits can do without the benefit of physical things-- something that can be done in our hearts or in the heavenly realms. At its best, it can involve our whole being in worship and praise to God; at its worst it can mock, praise false gods, or incite others to sin. It can vary widely from culture to culture and generation to generation, revealing the breadth of creativity possessed and given by our Creator—but also providing ample fodder for division and conflict. It is so prominent in our culture and so divisive in our churches that a study of the Biblical references to music is very helpful to anyone who wishes to properly discern and perform music.

Negative examples. As we begin, we will note that the Bible gives many negative examples of music. For example, music could be associated with idolatry, as when the Israelites cavorted before their golden calf or when the Babylonians worshiped Nebuchadnezzar's image (Ex 32:17-18, Dan 3:4-5). It could mock, as it did Jeremiah and Job (Lam 3:14, Job 30:9-10). It could offend, as when the people unfavorably compared Saul's accomplishments with David’s (1Sam 18:6-8). It could be a vain substitute for real meaning and accomplishment, as when Solomon gathered singers to himself or the Israelites wasted themselves on revelry or idleness (Ecc 2:8, Is 5:11-12, Amos 6:4-5). It could be empty entertainment—enjoyable and artistic, but evoking no response-- as when the people received Ezekiel's prophesies like a love song sung by a pleasant voice(Eze 33:32-33). Even the music of Jehovah-praise could be vain and repugnant if not arising from purity (Am 5:21-24). Jesus compared the Pharisees to children playing tunes on the street, expecting all to dance or mourn on cue from them (Mt 11:16-19). If our music falls into any of these pitfalls, it is not good.

Neutral references. Distinct from these negative references, the Bible also gives some observations about music that are neutral-- neither good nor bad. For example, music could be associated with work, perhaps as a cadence for manual labor (Num 21:17). It could express strong emotions, as when a city was saved or when someone died (2Chr 35:25-26, 2Sam 1:17-27, Jdg 11:40). People who are grieving might not feel like singing (e.g. the newly-captive Jews in Babylon). Musical instruments might be costly (e.g. they are mentioned as part of the wealth of Tyrus). Today, we have many “neutral” songs that have valid roles in instruction, celebration or commemoration (e.g. "A-B-C", "Happy Birthday", “Pomp and Circumstance”, “The Wedding March”). Many Etudes are composed as exercises to help musicians improve their musical mastery. Some ballads recount factual historical events. Whether such "neutral" forms of music have a valid place in the life of the Christian will depend on that person's heart and motives.

Positive references. But if our interest is in tapping the potential and power of music for its highest purposes, we can gain much insight by examining the Bible’s positive references to music. We will want to know who wrote them and what the songs were like; who performed them, how they performed them and what the effects of performing them were; and we will want to see what commands God has given us on this subject.

Let’s begin by asking this question: is music part of God’s character, as opposed to a response of his creatures? That is, are we in some way emulating God when we make music? Yes! Besides providing the inspiration for every positive song in the Bible, we also see Him “directly” authoring some songs, and even singing them. These include songs of instruction, mourning, and celebration. For example, in Deuteronomy we see God commanding Moses to write down a song that God was giving as a witness against the people's eventual rejection of Him (Dt 31:19-32:44); the result is “The Song of Moses” (Dt 32) which will be sung in Heaven itself (Rev 15:2-4). In Ezekiel 1:28-2:10, God gives Ezekiel a scroll to eat that includes some God-composed lamentations; later, He gives Ezekiel the words of some other lamentations (e.g. Eze 19:1-14). And God directly presents himself singing for joy at the return of Israel (Zep 3:17); likewise, He is presented as the prodigal son’s father, who celebrates his son’s repentant return with “music and dancing” (Lk 15:21-25; cf Lk 15:5-6 and Lk 15:10). In the flesh, Jesus sang a hymn with his disciples as they went out from the Last Supper (Mt 26:30), and He quoted from the Psalms more than once (e.g. Ps 8:2, 22:1, 41:9, 110:1, 118:22-23, 118:26). From these observations we see that music is a part of God's nature, ranging from sad lamentations to joyous songs of celebration.

Likewise, we see that music is built into the character of God's creatures, even the non-human creatures. For example, we see the morning stars rejoicing in song on the day that God made the earth, and heavenly creatures singing praise to the Lamb.

And certainly music lies within humans, both in their capacity to emulate God as those made in His image, and in their capacity to respond to Him as His creatures. In the realm of "emulation" we would find the types of songs that He sings-- warnings, instruction, expressions of His love, invitations to embrace Him. And such songs need not be limited to the cerebral and the theological: God's own songs are passionate, making songs of celebration, anger or grief valid ways of emulating Him (so long as they align with God's emotions and His way of expressing them). In the category of "responding as creatures", we might sing songs of praise and thanksgiving to Him, songs of supplication, aspiration, dedication, repentance, or hope for the future.

Amongst those who engaged in music were skilled musicians like David (“the sweet psalmist of Israel”) and more casual musicians like Miriam; there were dedicated “professionals” like the Levites appointed by David, and amateurs like Paul; there were males (e.g. Barak) and females (e.g. Hannah); there were those who specialized in composing (Solomon) and those who were chiefly singers or instrumentalists (1Chr 16:42, 2Chr 5:13, Ps 68:25, 87:7); there were formal groups like Nehemiah’s contrapuntal choirs, casual groups like the army of Israel, and individuals like Mary. In general, everyone who is part of Christ’s church is instructed to include Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs in their thought life and their communications with one another. Interestingly, human song is not confined to this life and body: we read of humans singing in heaven, such as the 144,000 or the victors over the beast.

What constitutes a good song? What is it about, how is it constructed, and how should it be performed?

God’s songs reflect His great love and care for His people. The audience for His songs is men. The songs express His relationship with men—teaching them what He did for them or how they should live; lamenting their rebellion; celebrating their repentance. Consider these two references to God's songs:

• Eze 19:12-14: “(Israel) was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: Her strong rods were broken and withered, the fire consumed them. And now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground. And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod to be a scepter to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.”
• Zep 3:17: “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”

Reading these songs causes one to say, “What is man that Thou considerest him?” or “Behold how much He loved him!” They suggest that men and his actions matter to God and affect His emotions.

As for positive examples of human song, they span a wide range of themes, forms and moods. Some songs have God as their audience, such as songs praising and thanking Him; songs expressing complaint, sadness or repentance; and songs praying for His intervention. Other songs have men as their audience, including songs of prophesy, instruction or wisdom that help them draw close to the Lord; songs that help them see God’s holiness, power, knowledge and righteous judgment, or His love, faithfulness, goodness, and mercy; songs that express personal testimony, devotion, faith and confidence in God; songs that contrast wicked men with our good and pure God; and songs that center on specific themes like the Sabbath, Zion, the king, the Law, or marital love.

The occasions of these songs include festivals, general gatherings of the church, private gatherings and conversations, and private devotions; they include times of suffering, of rejoicing and of worship. Some of the songs borrow existing tunes, whereas others have their own musical instructions. Some have a “somber sound,” some are to soothe or comfort, some are very emotional, some are very intellectual, and still others involve great joy, loud voices, cymbals, clapping, and dancing. Various devices and forms were used, such as acrostics (e.g. Ps 119), metaphors (e.g. Is 5:1-7), repeated lines (e.g.“His mercy endureth forever”), or “Selahs” (perhaps instrumental interludes to permit meditation). Various songs used various instruments, including strings, reeds, pipes & flutes, brass & horns, and percussion.

In short, there is no fixed formula defining what constitutes a “good” song. If it brings glory to God, if it shares God’s perspective, or if it implores or upholds Him as the remedy for the soul’s ailments, it probably has some precedent in the Bible. Some factors that are “hot buttons” in today’s churches appear to be non-issues Biblically-- highly emotional content, for example (see Ps 51 or Ps 93), the use of percussion (Ps 150), virtuosic playing (1Chr 15:22), high volume (Ps 33:3), or repetitiveness (Ps 136). This is not to say that all music is good, or that it is all a matter of mere preference—clearly, there are songs that are downright evil, that incite sin, or that express erroneous doctrine; there are songs that attract attention to the performer rather than his message; there are empty songs that distract the attention from beneficial things; and there are songs that are stumbling blocks for some because their lyrics or form are reminiscent of other songs having sinful associations. Moreover, there are some otherwise acceptable songs that are rejected by God because of perverted motives or a debased singer (Am 5:22-24).

Here are some suggestions to guide wise musical choices and to ensure God-pleasing musical performances.
Firstly, make your thought life as high, as holy and good as possible. This is the source of all your messages and actions to others, the well from which your outward songs are drawn.
* Bring every thought into obedience to Christ (2Co 10:5)
* Think about good truths (Php 4:8)
* Meditate on Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs (Eph 5:19); on God’s Law, wisdom and works (Ps 1:2, 49:3, 77:12, 119:15, 119:23, 119:48, 119:78, 119:97-99, 119:148, 143:5); and on God Himself (Ps 63:6, 104:33-34)
* Joyfully look to Christ for his help and example, and anticipate his return (Php 2:5, Tit 2:13, Heb 12:2-3)
* Pray and give thanks (Php 4:6-7, 1Th 5:16-18, 1Ti 2:1)

Secondly, communicate good things to others, including Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs; let no corrupt communication come out of your mouth, but rather what will edify others, spur them on to virtue, and represent God’s message to them (Eph 4:29, Col 4:6, Heb 10:24, Ja 3:1-10, 1Pt 4:11). Ensure that the song’s message is clear so that listeners can understand it (1Co 14:6-19). Don’t create stumbling blocks for listeners by using forms that would lead them to sin (Rom 14:13-23, 1Cor 10:24-31). Make your music an act of love toward God and others, something done with all your heart and mind and soul and strength (Mt 22:37-38, 1Cor 10:31). Promote unity and order in church gatherings (1Co 14:40, Eph 4:1-3).

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References that support the foregoing:


Who made music?

God himself sang songs of both joy and lamentation (Zep 3:17, Jer 9:9-11, Lk 15:22-25—see Lk 15:10)
Angels, Morning stars (Job 38:7, Rev 15:1-4)
The nation or army of Israel (Ex 15:1, 2Chr 29:28, Ps 106:8-12)
Individuals like David, Solomon, Habakkuk, Moses, Miriam, Deborah, Barak, Ethan, Mary, Hannah (Ex 15:1-21, Jdg 5:1-8, 1Sa 2:1-10, Ps 3, 7, 32, 72, 89, 90, 127, Hab 3, Lk 1:46-55)
Levites, assigned by David to minister in song at the tabernacle/temple. They were professionals. (1Chr 6:31-32, 15:14-22, 16:4-6, 25:3-7, 2Chr 7:6, 29:25-27, 30, Ezr 3:10-11, Neh 12:27-47, Ps 18:1, 48:1)
Jesus and the disciples, Paul and Silas, the early churches (Mt 26:30, Mk 14:26, Acts 16:24-25, 1Cor 14:26, Eph 5:19, Col 3:16)
Males (e.g. David, Moses, Solomon, Asaph, sons of Korah) and females (Miriam, Hannah, Mary, Elizabeth)
Heavenly creatures and elders (Rev 5:8-10)
The 144,000 redeemed ones and those that had prevailed over the Beast (Rev 14:1-5, 15:1-4)

What songs did they sing?

God’s songs:

• God gave Moses “the Song of Moses” recounting His creation, deliverance and guidance of Israel, and warning them of punishment if they departed for foreign gods (Dt 31:19-32:44, Rev 15:3-4)
• God gave Ezekiel lamentations concerning impending judgment (Eze 2:9-10, 19:1-14, 27:1-28:19, 32:1-16)

New songs (Ps 33:3, 40:3, 144:9, Isa 42:10, Rev 5:9)
Songs of prophesy, instruction or wisdom; songs to help others see, fear and trust the LORD
(Ps 1, 4, 40:3, 69:30-32, 75:4-7, 121, Lk 20:42, 24:44, Acts 13:33, 1Chr 25:1-3)
Songs of praise and thanks to God, of celebration and rejoicing (1Chr 23:5, 25:3, Ps 33, 28:7, 147, 148, 150)

• For setting things right: David was established as king, the ark was brought to Jerusalem, the kingship was restored to Joash, the temple or wall was restored, Jehovah-worship was reinstituted by Hezekiah(1Chr 16:7-36, 2Chr 7:1-6, 34:10-12, 23:11-13, 29:25-30, Ezr 3:10-11, Neh 12:27-47, Ps 30, 68, Ezr 3:10-11)
• For giving strength and victory, help, deliverance, provision or protection; for redeeming or enlarging Israel (Ex 15:1-21, Num 21:16-17, Jdg 5:1-8, 2Sa 22:1-51, 2Chr 20:27-28, Ps 3, 7, 18, 27, 34, 46, 65, 66, 68, 71:17-24, 76, 96:2, 98, 114, 124, 126, 135, 136, 142, 145, Isa 12:2, 26:1, 30:29, 38:9-20, 42:10-13, 48:20, 51:11, 54:1, 55:12)
• For his holiness, purity, glory, greatness, sovereignty, power, and righteous judgment(Ps 2, 5:4-10, 7, 9, 24, 47, 50, 68, 75, 76, 96:3-8, 97:1-9, 98:9, 99, 136, 146, Rev 15:3-4)
• For his love, faithfulness, goodness, mercy and relationship with His people (Ezr 3:11, Ps 23, 57, 68, 77, 92, 99:6-8, 100:5, 149)
• For creating and knowing everything, including us (Ps 8, 19:1-6, 100, 139, 149:2)
• That Jesus is worthy (Mt 21:9, quoting Ps 118:25-26; Rev 5:8-10)
• Songs of personal testimony, devotion, faith and confidence in God (Ps 4, 11, 12, 16, 26, 34, 40, 46, 56, 62, 63, 101, 116, 121, 138), sometimes despite adversity (Ps 13, 22, 57, 59, Acts 16:2)
• Songs of need, complaint, sadness, or repentance; prayers for deliverance from enemies, sin, or heaviness of spirit (1Sam 7:2, 2Sa 1:19-27, 2Chr 35:25, Ps 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 17, 25, 28, 31, 35, 38, 39, 41, 43, 44, 51, 53, 54, 56, 57, 59, 60, 61, 64, 69, 70, 83, 123, 137, 140, 141, 143, 144, Jer 7:29)
• Songs contrasting wicked men with our good and pure God (Ps 12, 14, 36, 41)
• Songs for specific occasions or with various themes: Sabbath (Ps 92), Zion/Jerusalem (Ps 48, 68, 87), the king whom God had raised up (Ps 45), the Law (Ps 19:7-14, 119), Marital love (Song of Solomon), God’s glory displayed in a rainstorm or creation (Ps 19, 29), etc (Ps 30)

How did they make music? They did it toward God and to please God (Ps 4, 5, 67, 69, 70, 83, 88, Ps 115:1-2, Ps 144:3-15)
They did it toward men for instruction, warning, inspiration, encouragement or blessing; to spur others to praise, purity, thankfulness or repentance (Ps 4, 15, 20, 32, 37, 49, 50, 52, 58, 66, 76:4-12, 96:7-10, 97:10-12, 100, 115:3-18, 136, Is 5:1)
They did it with rejoicing, worship, and thanksgiving; enthusiastically and loudly; with shouting, clapping and dancing; they employed both learned and God-given skill (1Chr 13:8,15:21-29, 25:6-7, 2Chr 23:18, 29:30, 30:21, Neh 12:27, Ps 33:3, 47:1, 98:4, 100:1-2, 101, 147:7, Is 24:7-9, 30:29)
They did it with a solemn sound or lamentation (Ps 92:3, Eze 19)
They used existing tunes for some songs (Ps 9, 22, 53, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
They used various patterns, forms, or styles e.g. acrostics (Ps 37, 119), repeating lines (Ps 118),Maschils (e.g. Ps 32, 42), “Selah” (e.g. Ps 3, 4, 89, 140, Hab 3), “Alamoth” (Ps 46:1, 1Chr 15:20), Michtam (Ps 16, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
They did it by command, with planned order, or with spontaneity (Jdg 5:1, 1Chr 23:5, 25, 2Chr 29:27)
They sang corporately or individually, publicly or privately (e.g. 1Chr 13:8, Ps 42:8, 57:9, 108:3, Eph 5:19, Col 3:16)
They used instruments of various kinds (1Chr 13:8, 16:42, 23:5, 2Chr 5:13, 7:6, 2Chr 29:27, 30:21, Neh 12:36, Ps 68:25, 87:7, 150:3-5)

• Stringed instruments, including psalteries, harps, and lyres (1Sa 16:16-23, 18:6, 1Chr 13:8, 25:1, 2Chr 5:12, Neh 12:27, Ps 4, 6, 33:2, 54:1, 55:1, 61:1, 92:3, 8:5, 147:7, 144:9, 149:3, 150:3, Isa 38:20, Rev 14:2)
• Pipes and Flutes (1Sa 10:5, Ps 5:1, Isa 30:29)
• Trumpets/horns/cornets (1Chr13:8, 16:42, 25:5, 2Chr 5:12-13, 15:14, Ps 98:6, 150:3)
• Reed instruments (Ps 150:4)
• Timbrels, cymbals (1Sa 18:6, 1Chr 13:8, 16:5, 25:1, 2Chr 5:12, Neh 12:27, Ps 68:25, 149:3, 150:5)

What were the effects of music?

God inhabits the praises of Israel; He filled the tabernacle; He defeated enemies when the people united in songs of praise and faith (2Chr 5:11-13, 20:19-22, Ps 22:3)
The evil spirit left Saul, and he was refreshed (1Sa 16:16-23)

Negative, neutral or figurative references to music Music can exist for its own sake or for personal entertainment (e.g. arising from boredom, idleness or drunkenness). God holds such music in low esteem (Ecc 2:8-11, Is 5:12, Amos 6:1-5). God told Ezekiel that the people would treat his prophecies as mere musical entertainment (Eze 33:31-33)
Music can be associated with idolatry: the Israelites made music that sounded like war when they worshiped the golden calf; music was the cue to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s statue (Ex 32:17-18, Dan 3)
Even the music of Jehovah-praise can be empty and offensive if not arising from purity (Amos 5:23)
Music can be associated with work, as when wells were dug in Beer (Num 21:17)
Music can be associated with any gladness, as when an enemy is removed or judgment ends (Isa 14:7, 51:3).
An occasion of universal joy might be signified by the very environment making music, as when Israel is redeemed or Babylon is destroyed
(Isa 44:23, 49:13).
Laban wanted to send off Jacob “with mirth and with songs” (Gen 31:27).
Lamentations or no music can accompany death, sadness or judgment (Gen 50:10, Jdg 11:40, 1Sam 25:1, 28:3, 2Sam 1:17-27, 3:33, 2Chr 35:25, Isa 3:26, 16:10, 19:8, 32:9-12, Jer 4:8, 6:26, 9:17-22, 16:1-6, 31:15-17, 48:38, 49:3, Lam 2:5-8, 5:14-18, Eze 26:15-17, Dan 6:18-20, Joe 1:8-13, Amo 5:1-17, 8:10, Mic 2:4, Lk 23:27, Jn 16:20, Act 8:2, Rev 18:9, 18:21-22)
Music can be associated with mockery, offense or foolishness (1Sa 18:6-7, Job 30:9, Ps 69:12, Ecc 7:5, Lam 3:14, 63)
Jesus likened the Pharisees to children playing in the street, wanting to control people’s responses (Mt 11:16-19)
Fine tabrets and pipes were part of the wealth of Tyrus (Eze 28:13)

Our response and depiction:

Use music to praise God publicly and privately, with enthusiasm and skill, with voice and instrument, with Him and men as audience (Ps 9:2, 9:11, 30:4, 33:2-3, 47:6-7, 66:2-3, 68:4, 68:32, 95:1-2, 96:1-3, 98:4-6, 105:1-3, 135:3, 147:1, 147:7, 149, Is 42:10-12, Jer 20:13, 31:7, Zep 3:14, Zec 2:10, Rom 15:8-11)
Make songs a part of our thoughts/emotional life, our expressions of thanks to God for his forgiveness and provision, and our communication/admonitions to others (Ps 51:10-15, 149:1, Eph 5:19, Col 3:16, Jas 5:13)
Be clear and orderly in our worship and teaching, like instruments defining a tune (1Cor 14:6-15)
Remember our Creator in the days of our youth, before such things as hearing loss (Ecc 12:1-4)