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Jepthahs daughter also used instruments of music to run to greet her father. Judges 11:34,
she used them to greet loved ones rather than send them away, as Laban had proposed to do for
Jacob.
Saul was welcomed home from the battle of the philistines by the women shouting and
playing on instruments of music.1 Samuel 18:6.
David, who was very cunning on the harp, often played his harp to comfort King Saul, 1
Samuel 16:23. David used his harp to drive away evil spirits from Saul, 1 Samuel 18:10. It should
be noted that up to this point in time, instruments of music were not commanded by God. He did
not institute instrumental music in worship in the Law of Moses. The only music used in the days
of Moses was spontaneous praise to God by the people. A rams horn was blown to call the
assembly together. Numbers 10:7-9, but when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall
blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
8- And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an
ordinance for ever throughout your generations.
9- And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an
alarm with the trumpets, and ye shall be remembered before the lord your God, and ye shall be
saved from enemies. But God never ordained music as part of the law in the worship of God. It
was during the days of David that instrumental music was commanded in the worship by God.
David was the one who was used of God to introduce music as a systematic art among the Hebrews,
the scriptures states in II chronicles 29:25. This was where vocal and instrumental music was used
in the worship of God as God had commanded.
Music was also used in bridal processions, music was used to express love to ones lover
as seen in Song of Solomon and psalms 45:1-17.
There was the wailing chant of mourners at funerals as well as those who song as they
toiled shepherds like David played their harps as they tended sheep. Prostitute used the instruments
as bait to entrap men and to advertise their wares. Isaiah 23:16 meanwhile on the other hand the
people of God went up to their festivals with songs. Psalms 84, Isaiah 30:29, 1 chronicles 13:8 and
1 chronicles 15:16-28.
They were to do a definite work- they were prepared and trained to do a particular work
which they are aware of. 2nd chronicles 7:6, Nehemiah 11:22, 2nd chronicles 8:14, 2nd chronicles
31:2. They were to give all or part of their time in service. They were full time worshippers that
was their ministry. They were educated and trained, skilled in playing musical instruments 1
chronicles 15:22, Nehemiah 11:22, 1st chronicles 25:1-8, Nehemiah 12:42, 46. They were
consecrated numbers 8:5-14, 1 chronicles 15:12, 2nd chronicles 15:27, 2nd chronicles 5:12. They
were to be paid for their services: Numbers 18:21, 2nd chronicles 31, Nehemiah 12:47, 13:5. They
were provided a place to live in the church took care of their accommodation since they need to
be trained, tutored at a place by someone Ezra 2:70, Nehemiah 7:73, 12:28-29, Mathew 10:10.
They were treated as other religious workers Ezra 7:24, Nehemiah 10:28. They were to be adults,
matured: Numbers 4:47, 1 chronicles 23:3-5.
a shrill sound compared to our music today. In the old testaments they used only three types of
instruments and percussion instrument.
Wind instruments includes Horn made from a rams horn which is in this 21st century translated
to be cornet, Joshua 6:5.
Trumpets made of metal and was used in worship by the Levites (Zechariah 9:14-15). Straight
trumpet khatsotseraw which means to quiver usually it is was one cubit long Numbers 10:1-2
and 9-10.
Oboe or pipe is a perforated pipe in the Old Testament thought to be oboe in this 21st century. 1st
Samuel 10:5, Kings 31:40.
Silver trumpet used to signal Joshua6:5. Flute Daniel 3:5. Organ Job 21:12.
Dulcimer is a bag pipe instrument with two reeds. Daniel 3:5, 10.
Percussion Instruments
Tabret or Timbrel-Genesis 31:27, its a narrow hoop covered with tightened skin and struck with
the hand its sometimes called hadrus.
Sistrum: Makes a rattling sound II Samuel 6:5
Tinklers: A type of double cymbal 1 chronicles 13:8.
Triangle or Dance: It is used for effect, its also called the dance because its accompanied , merry
making 1 Samuel 18:6.
Cymbals: Psalm 150:5, they were used to mark time, they were both hand and thumb cymbals 1
chronicles 16:5.
Bells: they were worn by priests. Exodus 28:33-35.
Drum: Psalms 68:25.
Stringed instruments: The Gath Psalm8, Isaiah 16:10.
Harp, flute, sackbut, zither, psaltery, lyre. Some of this instruments are still in use while some are
not thou same changed their names from what they are called in the Old Testament to something
different in this 21st century.
Compared to the Old Testament, today women sing alone which was an early contradiction
to the rule in the Old Testament that said women should keep silence. Instrumental music was used
without the voice for interludes and to set the mood of the songs. Instrumental music is not repealed
as it was commanded of David and not of Moses. Many of those involved in contemporary music
ministry appeal to the different styles of music of the Old Testament for doing their own thing.
They believe that music produced by percussion instruments and accompanied by dancing was
common in religious services. Consequently they that some styles of rock music and dancing are
appropriate for church services today. In the Old Testament musicians belonged to the professional
clergy, played only on limited and special occasions and used only few specific musical
instruments, music was rigidly controlled in the temple. Music was restricted to men before David
made church music administration. The music ministry at the temple was effective and successful
for several reasons which are relevant for our churches music today. First the Levite musicians
were matured and trained with an understanding of music, for the 21st century church music
ministry to be effective as the Old Testament musicians need to be trained as we live in a highly
educated society.
Secondly the music ministry in the Old Testament was successful because its musicians
were prepared spiritually, they were set aside and ordained for their ministry like the priests, and
musicians today should do same to have an effective ministry.
Thirdly the Levite musicians were full time workers, 1 chronicles 9:33 apparently the
Levites ministry of music entailed considerable preparations because we read that David left Asaph
and his brethren there before the ark of the covenant of the lord to minister continually before the
ark as each day required. 21st century ministers should be willing to work diligently preparing the
music needed for the worship of God.
Lastly the Levite musicians were not singing artistes invited to entertain the people at the
temple, they were minister s of music 1 chronicles 6:31-31. Through their music they ministered
to the people so 21st century musicians should be able to touch ad change lives, create impact with
their music.
The Levite ministry was well defined so today musicians should define their ministry since
church music ministry is a vital part of the worship experience of Gods people.
To minister musically in the Old Testament was a great privilege and a more responsible
service, this is still true of church music ministry today. In a very real sense we are New Testament
Levites therefore these principles established by God for the Levitical priesthood should be noted
as valid guidelines for, music leaders in a New Testament church.
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REFERENCES
1) Music and the church by David B. Pass
2) Erik Routley, The church and music, revd.ed (London: Duckworth, 1967) pg.228.
3) Introduction to the Old Testament as scripture (London: sum press, 1979) pg. 78 by
Brevard childs.
4) Jubilate II church music in worship and renewal by Donald P. Hustad.
5) Building an effective church music ministry by Eveline F. miller 1993. Pg. 10-12.
6) www.encyclopedia of church music.org.
7) www.bibleplus.org/music.
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