Understanding the Psalms—part 2

Understanding the Psalms—part 2

          Since there is so much written on this first book of the Hagiographa, it is difficult to know just what should be included in this work that will be most helpful to ministers of music.  It seems that the first order of business should be to remind church musicians that this book is the "Song Book of the Bible."  This book does not merely contain music, it is all music.  This is an inspired sacred song book, and since its contents are completely religious in nature, the minister of music must have a knowledge of how these poems (songs) are constructed in order to knowledgeably sing these most excellent songs.  It is also important for musicians to understand the content of these songs in order that they may be performed with understanding as I Corinthians 14:15 admonishes.  

Chief singers and chief musicians should be reminded that these songs were not intended to be read but rather sung since this and all Old Testament scripture was intended to be chanted or sung.  Reading these songs never does them justice for this is not a "Talk Book" but rather a "Song Book."  It seems a bit strange that many worship leaders only quote these songs before singing other songs or choruses that are not inspired.  Only quoting these inspired songs briefly before singing a long sequence of praise choruses is somewhat analogous to having five inches of meringue on top of a ½ inch chocolate pie.

Thought for the Day

It might help if a worship leader would make a list of reasons why psalm singing is a valuable worship tool.