Church Music Matters-part 1

 

Church Music Matters-part 1

The Twenty-fifth chapter of I Chronicles is a musical discourse on ancient Levite musical training.  This wonderful chapter gives us vivid insights into the philosophical musical practice of the Chief Levite musicians.  Verse one states: “Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals...” Notice that the King and his captains decreed that the sons of the three Chief Levite musicians should be separated (badal 914-to divide or select) to serve YHVH through music making.  They were separated to prophesy or deliver God’s message to the congregation through music performance. 

Now let’s look specifically at what the Chief Levite musician considered important in preparing their sons and brethren for music ministry.  They were separated to serve.  Each was a workman who ministered according to his talent and ability to serve.  Furthermore, they were all under the leadership or hands of their father.  They had a mentor, someone who was carrying out the order of the King who was a spiritual leader.  They were separated (consecrated) to prophesy.  This Hebrew word naba (5012) was translated prophesy in the AV, means to speak or sing by inspiration.  It is the same word used of the major Prophets of the Bible (see Jeremiah 25:30 and Ezekiel 21:24).  These men were prophesying, they were carrying the message of the King.  They were not entertaining, they were prophesying.  They were mentored to prophesy.  However, that was not enough.  They were successful because the sons actually prophesied.  They sang and played under the inspiration of YHVH.