Chenaniah Had Burden For Song

    Chenaniah Had Burden For Song  

I Chronicles 15:22 states, “And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful.

       We’re back to I chronicles 15:22 again.  This verse of Scripture is loaded with pertinent musical and spiritual information.  So, let’s dig in!  Have you ever wondered how this Levite became chief of the Levite Musicians?  At another time we will discuss Chenaniah’s burden (massa, 5375) for song and how this burden for music was borne in upon him of God.

       Today let us consider that this musician came to prominence because he was a skillful musician.  The Hebrew words yacar (3256) and biyn (9950 connote that he was a cunning performer who was knowledgeable enough to be a music instructor of the other Levite musicians.

It is never easy for a minister of music who is very busy to take time to search out the history and meaning of the music he or she leads others in singing or playing in the church service.  Personal practice is very time consuming and so is giving lessons to other church musicians.  Goading those who study music with us to practice; digging out spiritual meanings in the music; directing choral and instrumental rehearsals; and working with soloists is exhausting but very worthwhile.  Holding rehearsals when key members are absent is frustrating and challenging.

       Faithfulness and a good attitude on the part of the minister of music is absolutely essential to an efficacious music ministry.  I often think of the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:21, “his lord saith unto him, Well done thou good and faithful servant: Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make the ruler over many things: enter thou into the joys of thy lord.”