Topical Encyclopedia Praise, as an expression of worship and adoration towards God, is a central theme throughout the Bible. It is often accompanied by musical instruments, which serve to enhance the worship experience and bring glory to God. The use of instruments in praise is deeply rooted in biblical tradition and is evident in both the Old and New Testaments.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament provides numerous examples of praise accompanied by musical instruments. King David, a central figure in the history of Israel, was instrumental in organizing worship that included music. In 1 Chronicles 15:16 , David instructs the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to "raise their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals." This passage highlights the integral role of instruments in the worship practices of ancient Israel. The Book of Psalms, often referred to as the hymnbook of the Bible, frequently mentions the use of instruments in praise. Psalm 150:3-5 exhorts believers to "praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals." This psalm is a powerful call to worship God with a variety of instruments, emphasizing the joy and exuberance that music brings to praise. Temple Worship The use of musical instruments was also a significant aspect of temple worship. In 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 , during the dedication of Solomon's Temple, the Levites, who were musicians, stood "with cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets." As they praised the Lord, the glory of the Lord filled the temple, demonstrating the profound connection between instrumental music and the divine presence. Prophetic and Celebratory Contexts Instruments were not only used in formal worship settings but also in prophetic and celebratory contexts. In 1 Samuel 10:5 , the prophet Samuel tells Saul that he will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with "harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres before them, and they will be prophesying." This indicates that instruments were part of the prophetic ministry, aiding in the expression of divine messages. Moreover, instruments were used in times of national celebration and victory. In 2 Samuel 6:5 , as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, "David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals." This joyful procession underscores the role of music in expressing communal joy and thanksgiving. New Testament Continuation While the New Testament does not emphasize musical instruments to the same extent as the Old Testament, the tradition of using music in praise continues. Ephesians 5:19 encourages believers to speak to one another "with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord." Although the focus here is on vocal music, the spirit of musical praise remains evident. Revelation 5:8 provides a glimpse into heavenly worship, where the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, each holding a harp. This imagery suggests that instruments are part of the eternal worship of God, reflecting the continuity of musical praise from earthly to heavenly realms. Conclusion The use of musical instruments in praise is a biblically endorsed practice that enriches worship and glorifies God. From the tabernacle and temple services of ancient Israel to the prophetic and celebratory events, instruments have played a vital role in expressing the joy, reverence, and adoration due to the Creator. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 16:41,42And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endures for ever; Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 150:3,5 Library Whether God Should be Praised with Song? On Singing and Music. The Consolation The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). The Lord Coming to his Temple 1 Cor. xiv. 1 The Miracle of Pentecost and the Birthday of the Christian The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... On the Life and Poetic Genius of Edward Young. Resources What does it mean to give a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the psalms of praise? | GotQuestions.org What is a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)? | GotQuestions.org Praise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Praise for God's Goodness to Individuals Praise for God's Goodness to Righteous Men Praise is a Part of Public Worship Praise is Due to God on Account of all Spiritual Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of all Temporal Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of Answering Prayer Praise is Due to God on Account of Constant Preservation Praise is Due to God on Account of Deliverance Praise is Due to God on Account of Fulfilling of his Promises Praise is Due to God on Account of His Consolation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Counsel Praise is Due to God on Account of His Excellency Praise is Due to God on Account of His Faithfulness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Glory Praise is Due to God on Account of His Goodness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Greatness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Holiness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Judgment Praise is Due to God on Account of His Loving-Kindness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Majesty Praise is Due to God on Account of His Mercy Praise is Due to God on Account of His Power Praise is Due to God on Account of His Salvation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wisdom Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wonderful Works Praise is Due to God on Account of Pardon of Sin Praise is Due to God on Account of Protection Praise is Due to God on Account of Spiritual Health Praise is Due to God on Account of The Continuance of Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of The Hope of Glory Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Creation Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Men Praise is Obligatory Upon: Angels Praise is Obligatory Upon: Children Praise is Obligatory Upon: Gentiles Praise is Obligatory Upon: High and Low Praise is Obligatory Upon: Saints Praise is Obligatory Upon: Small and Great Praise is Obligatory Upon: Young and Old Praise of David: At the Close of his Reign Praise of David: Celebrating his Deliverance from the Hand of Saul Praise of David: On Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Zion Praise of Deborah, After Defeating the Canaanites Praise: Acceptable Through Christ Praise: Accompanied With Musical Instruments Praise: Called The: Calves of the Lips Praise: Called The: Fruit of the Lips Praise: Called The: Garment of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifice of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifices of Joy Praise: Called The: Voice of a Psalm Praise: Called The: Voice of Melody Praise: Called The: Voice of Praise Praise: Called The: Voice of Triumph Praise: Psalms of, for God's Goodness to Israel Praise: Saints should be Endued With the Spirit of Praise: Saints should Express Their Joy By Praise: Saints should Glory In Praise: Saints should Invite Others To Praise: Saints should Posture Suited To Praise: Saints should Pray for Ability to offer Praise: Saints should Render, Under Affliction Praise: Saints should Show Forth Praise: Saints should Triumph In Praise: should be offered for Ever and Ever Praise: should be offered in Psalms and Hymns Praise: should be offered with Gladness Praise: should be offered with Joy Praise: should be offered with Thankfulness Praise: should be offered with the Lips Praise: should be offered with the Mouth Praise: should be offered with the Soul Praise: should be offered with the Understanding Praise: should be offered with the Whole Heart Praise: should be offered with Uprightness of Heart Praise: should be offered: Continually Praise: should be offered: Day and Night Praise: should be offered: Day by Day Praise: should be offered: During Life Praise: should be offered: More and More Praise: should be offered: Throughout the World Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea Praise: The Chorus when Solomon Brought the Ark of the Covenant Into the Temple Praise: The Heavenly Host Engage In Praise: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Praise-offering (5 Occurrences) |
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