Musical Meaning in Musical Sounds-part 3

Musical Meaning in Musical Sounds-part 3

            1 Corinthians 14:7, “And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?” 

            This Bible passage very clearly teaches that in ancient Israel if the instruments played the intended notes accurately their sound sent a distinctive message to the hearer.  Note that nothing is written in this passage of Scripture about the singing of words.  The distinction of the message came through the sounds produced by accurate production of the musical notes being played by the instrument.  The message sent by the musician was the result of the message of the music rather than by words sung by a musician. 

            The common man in ancient Israel knew what the sounds meant merely by the selection of tones that the musician played.  There is much more musical truth imbedded in the meaning or this Bible reference than is commonly believed or understood by musicians today. We know that the way that the ancient musicians musiced sent either clear or “uncertain” messages to the hearer.  

Thought for the Day

We know that the common man had knowledge of what the distinction of sound ment during New Testament times.  Music had meaning then and so does it today.  Therefore every Christian musician must become aware of the messages it conveys today.