Daily Bread

Music for the Lord’s Temple

1 Chron. 25:1-31

David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. (1a)

David along with the army commanders set apart musicians for the house of God. Music ministry was a very important part of ancient Israel. Music should also have a very important role in the new Israel, the church of God in Christ Jesus. 

First, the ministry of prophesying (1-6a). The author shows that the gift of prophecy and music are very much related to each other. We normally think of prophecy as expositing Scripture or giving a message to the people. But prophesying includes thanking and praising God with music. David established the role of music in temple worship and supervised it. Heman, a music servant, was exalted by the Lord and blessed with fourteen sons and three daughters (5). In turn, his family exalted the LORD with music and praise. We too have been exalted by God—we have been raised up with Christ and seated with him in the heavenly realms to praise his name for his grace and love.

Second, the rotation of musicians (6b-31). God blessed the families of Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman with talented and well-trained musicians for the LORD. The musicians were divided into 24 groups and their order of service was selected by lot. The young and the old, as well as the teacher and the student were given equal opportunities to serve in the ministry. The praise of the LORD is to be on the lips of his children.

God gifted my family with an abundance of musical talent. I love to sing and make music in my heart to the LORD. My sons Paul and John are both gifted in playing violin and guitar. Paul also has a wonderful singing voice and is a praise leader in the church. Whenever we gather together in our home, we end up singing together. It comes naturally. All the time while we were in Argentina, music was very prominent in our ministry. We had orchestra and praise music bands. Remembering our missionary life, music was one of the things that helped us to survive. Singing to the LORD and making music blessed our life so much.

The Bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto the LORD. We are to make music in our hearts to the Lord. We are commanded to sing to one another with hymns, songs and spiritual songs. God loves to hear the praise of his children. It should come naturally to us like breathing. 

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer! Sing, O earth—His wonderful love proclaim! Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory; Strength and honor give to His holy name! Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children; in His arms He carries them all day long. Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness. Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!