Musicians

Players of musical instruments. Levitical musicians played an extensive role in Israelite worship. Other musicians are also mentioned in Scripture, in both sacred and secular contexts.

Levitical musicians in the tabernacle

Appointed by David

1 Chronicles 6:31–47 See also 1 Chronicles 15:16–17, 1 Chronicles 25:1–5

Responsibilities

1 Chronicles 15:19–21 See also 1 Chronicles 15:16, 1 Chronicles 25:6–7

The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals. Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth. And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith.

Allocation of duties

1 Chronicles 25:8–31

Levitical musicians in the temple

2 Chronicles 5:12–13 See also 1 Chronicles 9:33; 2 Chronicles 35:15

all the Levitical singers — Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives — stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud

Other musicians

Jubal was the first musician

Genesis 4:17–21

And Cain had relations with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to Enoch. Then Cain built a city and named it after his son Enoch. Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methusael, and Methusael was the father of Lamech. And Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah. Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock. And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.

King David was a renowned musician

1 Samuel 16:15–18 See also 1 Samuel 16:23, 1 Samuel 18:10–11, 1 Samuel 19:9–10; 2 Samuel 6:5, 2 Samuel 23:1

Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely a spirit of distress from God is tormenting you. Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you will be well.” And Saul commanded his servants, “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him to me.” One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.”

Unidentified musicians

Psalm 68:24–25 See also 2 Kings 3:11–19; Psalm 137:1–3; Revelation 18:21–22

They have seen Your procession, O God — the march of my God and King into the sanctuary. The singers lead the way, the musicians follow after, among the maidens playing tambourines.