Bible Principles of Musicing (Revisited)-part 1

 

Bible Principles of Musicing (Revisited)-part 1

            What are some principles of music found in the Bible?  Vocal music was most important since it was a vehicle for the word of Jehovah to ride into the hearts of the worshiper.  The instruments used to accompany vocal music were mostly string instruments that would not cover up the words.  Percussion was used but it was used to mark beginning and pauses and never used as a continuous driving beat.  Instrumental music was used for music therapy purposes.  We have every reason to believe that this instrumental music was melody oriented and produced a pleasing beautiful, restful effect on the listener.  We have absolutely no reason to believe that it was ugly, raucous or harsh sounding.  There were two species of music mentioned in the Bible which Jewish musicologists have recognized and explained in their scholarly writings.  These two species of music mentioned in the OT are “men’s music”, which was controlled by melody and words, and “women’s music”, which was controlled by rhythm.  The use of women’s music is nowhere traceable in either the first or second Temple.