Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5420 music

Music played a major role in the lives of people in biblical times. It was used in both sacred and secular activities and was most often associated with joy and celebration.

Music comes from God

God's presence inspires music

Psalm 96:13 See also Psalm 98:4

It is a gift of God

Job 35:10

Music was closely associated with praise and worship

Psalm 33:2 See also Judges 5:3; Nehemiah 12:27; Psalm 27:6; Psalm 57:7; Psalm 81:1-2; Psalm 87:7; Psalm 92:3; Psalm 95:2; Psalm 98:4; Psalm 108:1; Psalm 144:9; Psalm 147:7; Psalm 149:3; Psalm 150:1-6; Ephesians 5:19-20; Colossians 3:16

Music was employed extensively in the tabernacle and the temple

1 Chronicles 25:6-7 See also 1 Chronicles 6:31-32; 1 C 1; 2 Chronicles 5:12-14; 2 C 15; Ezra 2:65

Music and the psalms

Many psalms are dedicated to the “director of music”

Psalm 11:1 Title See also Psalm 13:1 Title; Psalm 31:1Title; Psalm 42:1Title; Psalm 49:1Title; Psalm 77:1Title; Psalm 139:1Title; Habakkuk 3:19

The titles of some psalms probably give an indication of melody

Psalm 9:1 Title See also Psalm 22:1 Title; Psalm 45:1Title; Psalm 56:1Title; Psalm 57:1Title; Psalm 58:1Title; Psalm 59:1Title; Psalm 60:1Title; Psalm 69:1Title; Psalm 75:1Title; Psalm 80:1Title

The titles of some psalms indicate specific musical accompaniment

Psalm 4:1 Title See also Psalm 5:1 Title; Psalm 6:1Title; Psalm 54:1Title; Psalm 55:1Title; Psalm 61:1Title; Psalm 67:1Title; Psalm 76:1Title; Habakkuk 3:19

Uses of music

To celebrate victory

2 Chronicles 20:27-28 See also Exodus 15:1-21; Judges 5:1-31; 1 Samuel 18:6-7; Isaiah 30:32

At times of celebration

Genesis 31:27 See also Job 21:12; Isaiah 16:10; Lamentations 5:14; Ezekiel 26:13; Luke 15:25; Revelation 18:22

At banquets

Isaiah 5:12 See also Amos 6:4-6

As an expression of joy

1 Samuel 18:6-7 See also 2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Kings 1:40; Job 21:12; James 5:13

For pleasure

Ecclesiastes 2:8 See also 2 Samuel 19:35

For divine inspiration

2 Kings 3:14-15; 1 Samuel 18:10

To relieve depression

1 Samuel 16:23 See also 1 Samuel 16:16-18

At times of mourning

2 Samuel 1:17-18; Matthew 9:23 See also Job 30:31; Job 35:10; Jeremiah 48:36

Prophets sometimes prophesied to musical accompaniment

1 Samuel 10:5-6 See also 2 Kings 3:14-19

Lack of music is a sign of judgment

Isaiah 24:8 See also Revelation 18:22

Music in pagan worship

Daniel 3:5 See also Daniel 3:7,10,15

Music played by prostitutes

Isaiah 23:16

The misuse of music

Psalm 69:12 See also Psalm 137:3; Daniel 3:4-7; Amos 5:23; Amos 6:5

See also

5273  creativity
5421  musical instruments
5422  musicians
5595  trumpet
7960  singing
8283  joy
8627  worship, elements
8664  praise