THE MASSA OR BURDEN OF THE CHIEF MUSICIAN-part 3

THE MASSA OR BURDEN OF THE CHIEF MUSICIAN-part 3

            What does the word massa mean as used in this verse in I Chronicles 15:22 (and at some other times) in the Old Testament?  W.E. Vine has stated that, "The word 'burden'

(Hebrew massa, a thing lifted up) is used, for example, in Nahum 1:1, signifying the burden of prophesy which was borne in upon the prophet when he received it from the Lord."  In other words Chenaniah's message for song was borne in upon him from the Lord just like the message of God was given to the prophets.  It wasn't perfect pitch, a beautiful sounding voice or his knowledge of vocal pedagogy that made Chenaniah great, but instead, it was his spiritual communication with Jehovah that brought him to prominence.  From the Biblical record it seems that the outstanding factor of this chief musician's life was his serious and powerful music ministry in Israel.

            What does all this discussion mean to a twenty-first century Christian musician?  Does it really matter that this ancient musician was so concerned about how he musiced?  Even though the Word states that he had burden for song, does that mean that Christian musicians today are required to have this “burden” borne in upon them from God.  Is it even possible for a Christian musician to have such a relationship with God?  I will give some answers to these important questions in tomorrow’s post.