The History of Music Education—part 6

The History of Music Education—part 6                     

            Contrary to the opinions of some misguided twentieth century writers who believed that the Hebrews considered music an art form belonging to man’s true humanness, Alfred Sendrey stated, “In spite of the fact that music among the Hebrews did represent essentially "utilitarian music" (though in a higher sense), it is not wholly expressed by "activity" and "cooperation."  Nor, even though explicitly manifest, are the principles of "enjoyment" and "aesthetic pleasure" the decisive criteria in Jewish music.  The roots of the Jewish musical art go deeper; its ultimate meaning can rather be found in the spiritual, ethical sphere.  In Ancient Israel, music--especially singing--meant:  to serve God, to exalt God with sounds.  Singing, in whatever form, is for the Jew the religious creed expressed in sounds, the palpable affirmation of his close connection with the Eternal, the union in harmonious sounds of the Creator with his creation.”   Music in the Social and Religious Life of Antiquity, Sendrey, p. 167.  Notice that Sendrey who was a world renowned Jewish music Scholar reported that the ancient Hebrews considered music to be God’s i.e. “his creation” not the creation of mankind.

            There was much organized music education that took place in ancient Israel which was centered around the purposes of worship and honoring of YHVH.  This education was utilitarian in its nature because the culture of ancient Israel did not consider music to exist as an art-form but rather 1st, the handmaiden of God’s Word, and 2^nd, a means of worshiping YHVH.  Sendrey was correct in his belief that musicians taught the common man to enjoy worshiping God with music.  After the congregational music lesson explained in the first part of chapter eight of Nehemiah, verse 10 explains, “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”   Zephaniah 3:17 states that God allows joy as a part of the musicing process, The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”

Bible Quote for the Day

1Chronicle 25:7, “So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.”  Note that the chief Levite musicians concentrated their music education efforts on “the songs of the LORD”.