Why the Music of the Temple Was Successful part 6B

Why the Music of the Temple Was Successful part 6B

THE MUSICIANS WERE PAID 6B

            Tithing to the Levites is recorded in Numbers 18:24 and 26; Deuteronomy 14:28-29, and 26:12; Nehemiah 10:37-38, 12:44, and 13:5.  Tithing to the singers is specifically mentioned in Nehemiah 12:44-47; 13:5, and 13:10-12.  Here are some examples of several such commands.  Numbers 18:21 states, "And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation."  Some believe that this Scripture and this financial plan only refer to preachers.  However, Nehemiah 11:23 is a little more plain, "For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day."  Nehemiah 13:5 specifically tells what this portion was, ". . . and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites and the singers. . ."  Finally, Nehemiah 13:10 tells what happens when the church musicians are not taken care of financially, "And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them:  for the Levites and singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field."

            On the basis of the specific Scriptures given above which specifically teach tithing to the Levite musicians, it seems that one can draw the conclusion that tithing to the musicians was not an option.  The following are some conclusions from this study.  First, in the Old Testament the Hebrews supported the music of the Temple by paying a tithe which was a tenth, or "portions" to the Levites.  Second, there can be no doubt that some of the verses do refer to Temple musicians since the word "singers" is used specifically in conjunction with the practice of tithing. Third, the scriptural example left to us in the Old Testament is that we should tithe to the minister of music. Fourth, since the Levites were employed in their work day and night as much as every day's ministry required, they were paid on a full-time basis by receiving a "tenth."  It stands to reason that if a minster of music only "does the work" on a part-time basis he or she should receive pay in respect to the amount of time spent with the music ministry.