The musical voicing of praise to God. On account of God's majesty and great acts of salvation singing was a regular part of the life of Israel and of the early church. In Israel musicians and singers were set aside solely for this purpose.
The call to sing praise to God
Psalm 33:1–3, Psalm 96:1–2 See also Psalm 5:11, Psalm 9:11, Psalm 30:4, Psalm 47:6, Psalm 68:4, Psalm 68:32, Psalm 81:1–2, Psalm 95:1, Psalm 98:1, Psalm 98:4–5, Psalm 98:8–9, Psalm 117:1, Psalm 147:7, Psalm 149:1; Isaiah 44:23, Isaiah 49:13, Isaiah 52:9; Romans 15:11
Rejoice in the LORD, O righteous ones; it is fitting for the upright to praise Him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.
The resolve to sing praise to God
Psalm 104:33 See also Psalm 7:17, Psalm 9:2, Psalm 13:6, Psalm 57:8–9, Psalm 59:16–17, Psalm 89:1, Psalm 101:1, Psalm 147:1
I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
Singing in response to God's deliverance from enemies and sin
Isaiah 35:10 See also Psalm 18:47–49, Psalm 71:22–24; Isaiah 54:1, Isaiah 55:12; Revelation 5:11–14, Revelation 15:3–4
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
God sings of his delight and love for his people
The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Singing in Israel
Singing accompanied major events
See also 1 Chronicles 15:27–28 the bringing of the ark to Jerusalem; 2 Chronicles 5:12–13 the dedication of the temple; 2 Chronicles 20:21–22 a march into battle; 2 Chronicles 23:11–13 a coronation; 2 Chronicles 29:27–28 the purification of the temple2 Chronicles 30:21, 2 Chronicles 35:15 Nehemiah 12:27–29 the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem
Part of day-to-day worship
2 Chronicles 23:18; Nehemiah 11:23
Accompanied by instruments
1 Chronicles 15:16 See also 1 Kings 10:12 parallel 2 Chronicles 9:11; Psalm 137:1–4
David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments— harps, lyres, and cymbals.
Musicians and singers appointed to lead Israel's singing
1 Chronicles 9:33, 1 Chronicles 15:22 See also 1 Chronicles 6:31–32, 1 Chronicles 25:6–7; Ezra 2:41 parallel Nehemiah 7:44; Ezra 2:65; Nehemiah 11:22, Nehemiah 12:46
Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night.
Chenaniah the head Levite was the director of the music because he was highly skilled.
Singing in the NT
Ephesians 5:19–20; James 5:13 See also Matthew 26:30 parallel Mark 14:26; Acts 16:25; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Colossians 3:16
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.
Singing is not always appropriate
Proverbs 25:20 See also Ecclesiastes 7:5Amos 5:23 God detests the songs of Israel that are not accompanied by obedience and justice. See also Isaiah 24:14–17, Isaiah 25:5; Ezekiel 26:13; Amos 6:5–7, Amos 8:3, Amos 8:10
Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.