Teaching Our Own to Minister Musically—part 1

Teaching Our Own to Minister Musically—part 1

            A portion of 2Chronicles 23:13  makes a statement that recently caught my attention as I was reading the twenty third chapter.  A particular distinction of Levite teachers was pointed out as “…such as taught to sing praise”.  I am intrigued by these teachers who yada halal (3045,1984).  There are almost as many opinions about the correct rendering of yada halal as there are translators.  Although some translators render this as leaders of praise, I see no reason to rule out the concept of instructors or teachers of praise.  Hence, it appears that the AV translators were accurate in their rendering this classification of Levite musicians as “such as taught to sing praise”. 

            I am particularly interested with this rendering because it is in line with what other passages in the OT that state that The Levite musicians were sacred music teachers.  In ancient Israel the Levite musicians did not leave sacred musicing to random chance.  They were proactive by teaching the people (and particularly the young Levite musicians) how to music unto the LORD.  The Chief Levite musicians recognized that if music in public worship was going to be accomplished properly instruction was necessary.  They were expert in doing what many church fellowships have failed to do.  1Chronicles 25:7 states very clearly, “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.”  These astute Levite musicians were aware that although performing the songs of the LORD was important, so was instructing the next generation of musicians how to perform the songs of the LORD.