Music is important in the lives of many people. I have talented musicians in my family, and while I am not one of them, I definitely enjoy good music and attending concerts, musicals, etc. Many people can make a living off their music, and for many others it’s a great hobby. Most churches use music in their worship services as another way to praise God. So, it’s no surprise that music is addressed in the Bible.
The very first musical reference in the Bible was of Jubal in Genesis 4:20-21: “Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes.”
The book of Psalms is full of songs, since “psalm” is another word for “song.” We no longer have the original tunes for these songs, just the lyrics, but many of today’s worship songs use lines from the psalms. The book of Psalms of the longest book in the Bible, actually making up 7% of the total Bible! King David wrote many of the psalms, and in 2 Samuel 23:1 he is called “the hero of Israel’s songs.”
The book of Song of Songs is naturally another musically-oriented book. There are also song lyrics recorded in Revelation 5:9-10, Revelation 7:9-12, and Revelation 15:1-4. Mary the mother of Jesus sang a song of praise in Luke 1:46-55 after finding out she would bear the Messiah. Moses and his sister Miriam sang a song recorded in Exodus 15 after God defeated the Egyptian army in the Red Sea. David’s victory over Goliath was celebrated with a song in 1 Samuel 18:6-7.
We see that Jesus and His disciples sang in Matthew 26:30, and Paul and Silas sang hymns in prison in Acts 16:25. Ephesians 5:18-20 encourages the church to “speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.” Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” James 5:13 also tells us to sing songs of praise when we’re happy: “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”
There are many times that music goes along with other activities told about in the Bible. For example, music was used at the coronation of King Solomon (1 Kings 1:39-40), and musicians were in the king’s court for his pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:8). Music was used to bring down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6), and David played his harp to calm down King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23).
Music, like any form of entertainment, can be used for God’s glory or against Him. Our motivation and the choices we make regarding music are key to determining which side of this we’re on. How are you using music to glorify God in your life?
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