Music in Scripture

1. The subject of song and music is mentioned throughout the scriptures. There are more than 300 references, including song, songs, sing, musician, play (in a musical sense) and related references.
2. Music is mentioned in Genesis and Revelation, the first and last books of the bible.
3. The book of Psalms is the longest book in the bible and is a book of songs.
4. The word “singer” is used but once, The plural form, “singers” is used 36 times. Song is overwhelmingly (but not exclusively) used in a group context throughout scripture
5. Old and new testaments alike recognize music as integral in worship as well as teaching and admonishment (Col 3:16).
6. Scripture identifies God as source of songs (Job 35:10).
7. Musicians were exempt from all taxes, tolls, or tribute (Ezra 7:24), they received benefit from offerings for their service from other’s contributions, tithes and offerings (Neh 13:5).
8. Song comes from the Lord, often with virtues or gifts such as strength (Ex 15:2), deliverance (Ex 15:21), joy (1 Sam 18:6, 1 Chron 16:23).
9. Music is identified as heavenly, perhaps eternal (Job 38:7. Rev 15:3).
10. Song can be misused (Psalm 137:3, Eccl 7:5, Lam 3:14, Eze 33:32, Isa 14:11, 1 Cor 10:7).
11. Song attests to spiritual realities, independent of fleshly circumstance, as with Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:25).
12. Music can span the distance between spirit and body [reason, fleshly mind] — (1 Cor 14:15).

Function, Purpose, Effects of Music in Scripture

• Admonishment (Col 3:16)
• Praise (Ex 15:2, Neh 12:46, Ezra 3:11)
• Thanksgiving (Neh 12:46)
• Deliverance (Psalm 32:7)
• Celebration [Wedding, …] (Psalm 78:63)
• Remembrance (Deut 31:19, Isa 23:16)
• Worship, Glory (2 Chron 5:13, 29:28)
• Witness (Deut 31:19)
• Instruction (Deut 31:21)
• Service (1 Chron 9:33)
• Lament (2 Chron 35:25)
• Preparation (Matt 26:30)
• Teaching (Deut 31:19)
• Proclamation (1 Chron 16:23)
• Meditation (Psalm 77:6)
• Spiritual healing/protection (1 Sam 16:16, 23)
• Refreshment (1 Sam 16:23)
• Focus, concentration, making consistent both the soul and spirit (1 Cor 14:15)