A shout-out to those who are persisting in our reading through the Historical Books of the Old Testament… 1 Chronicles is tough going, opening with nine chapters of genealogy and closing with several chapters of how David’s kingdom was organized.

I’m pleased to say that an entire chapter is devoted to the musicians, of which I am one (see bobplayspiano.com). Here’s a sample:

David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals…the sons of Jeduthun…who prophesied with the lyre in thanksgiving and praise to the LORD…the sons of Heman…the king’s seer, according to the promise of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. They were all under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the order of the king. The number of them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the LORD, all who were skillful, was 288. (1 Chronicles 25.1 – 7, ESV)

Trained singers and instrumentalists: cymbals, harps, and lyres. “All who were skillful…” 

Sacred music has a long and storied tradition! I know there are a few church traditions who do not use instruments in their worship services. While I admire the quality of their a capella singing, scripture seems to support the idea that God likes it all: singers AND musicians.

Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! (Psalm 150.3 – 6 ESV)

And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5.8 – 10, ESV, emphasis mine)