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The Godly Purpose for Music

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

Music, particularly instrumental music, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative as a gift and blessing from God Almighty. The Bible first mentions music in Genesis 4:21, noting Jubal as the father of all those who play the harp and flute. Throughout Scripture, instrumental music is shown to be a powerful, mood-altering agent, capable of stirring emotions and altering states of mind. A notable example is found in I Samuel 16:18-23, where David's skillful playing of the harp refreshed King Saul, alleviating his distress and causing the troubling spirit to depart from him. Despite its profound impact, some religious groups prohibit instrumental music, overlooking its biblical role and potential to honor God through dignified expression. In contrast, God's throne room is depicted as a place where music, including vast assemblies of harmonious voices, constitutes a standard fixture, underscoring its divine importance and purpose.

Exalt With Music

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Music, particularly instrumental music, holds a significant place in the worship and expression of devotion to God. It is deeply embedded in the way Israel exalted God after their deliverance, as seen when they celebrated with song and dance after crossing the Red Sea, intensifying their feelings of relationship and acknowledgment of God's triumph. Music serves as a powerful tool to reflect and affect the inner state of individuals and nations, evident in the historical shifts of musical styles that mirrored the cultural and emotional climate of the times. God, as the originator of music, created the human voice as the most magnificent instrument, not just for speech but for singing, to produce beautiful sounds that express emotions and devotion. The Psalms, the largest book in the Bible, frequently command singing, presenting it as a non-optional part of worship, central to developing a relationship with Him. Music in this context is a vehicle for teaching, prophecy, history, and expressing a range of emotions from praise to repentance, embedding these elements deeply in memory through song. Instrumental music, alongside vocal, has a profound effect on character and mood, as recognized by ancient philosophers and biblical accounts alike. It can soothe, heal, and motivate, as seen in the calming of Saul's distressed spirit through David's playing. Music's power to influence is unstoppable, crossing barriers and stimulating memory and emotion, whether for positive or negative ends. God intended it for good, to intensify positive attitudes toward His creative acts, salvation, and deliverance, as exemplified by the angels singing at creation and continuously before Him. In worship services, music functions as a ministerial responsibility, setting the mood and focusing attitudes on God. David, recognizing music's power, organized trained choirs to perform at services, ministering to the congregation with inspired song. This service of song is as effective as the spoken word in imparting truth and instruction, often requiring extensive training to achieve its intended impact. Music, when combined with understanding of the words, especially God's own as in the Psalms, adds a dimension of feeling that enhances devotion, making it a powerful tool to express and reinforce a relationship with Him.

Our Participation in Services

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh

We should not trivialize the importance of music in helping our meditation and remembering spiritual lessons, especially regarding congregational singing.

Moral Sympathy and Spiritual Confusion

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Music preference is a self-conscious declaration of the community with which people identify. The media has shamelessly pandered to the basest of cravings.

The Song of Moses

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When we are changed into spirit beings, we, as the first fruits, will again be involved in making music, singing a new song before the throne of God.

Jesus in the Feasts (Part Three): Divine King

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The trumpet blast is both a memorial and a proclamation that Almighty God is present, powerful, and personal, reminding us how we must respond.

Is It Proper to Use Musical Instruments to Worship God?

Bible Questions & Answers

The Bible teaches that the use of musical instruments is proper when praising God. Revelation shows that God is praised in heaven with instrumental music.