Singing In The Temple

Most people think of David as a shepherd, a giant-killer, a king of Israel, and a writer of psalms. But David was also the founder of organized professional choirs for the Tabernacle and Temple.

Here are some verses you might not have noticed before about singing in the Temple:

• “David assigned the following men to lead the music at the house of the LORD after he put the Ark there. They ministered with music there at the Tabernacle until Solomon built the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem. Then they carried on their work there, following all the regulations handed down to them.” (1 Chronicles 6:31-32)
• “They transported the Ark of God from the house of Abinadab. . . . David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, singing and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.” (1 Chronicles 13:7-8)
• “They and their families were all trained in making music before the LORD, and each of them—288 in all—was an accomplished musician. The musicians were appointed to their particular term of service by means of sacred lots, without regard to whether they were young or old, teacher or student.” (1 Chronicles 25:7-8)
• “As the burnt offering was presented, songs of praise to the LORD were begun, accompanied by the trumpets and other instruments of David, king of Israel. The entire assembly worshiped the LORD as the singers sang and the trumpets blew, until all the burnt offerings were finished.” (2 Chronicles 29:27-28)
• “The two choirs that were giving thanks then proceeded to the Temple of God, where they took their places. . . . We went together with the trumpet-playing priests . . . and the singers. . . . They played and sang loudly and clearly under the direction of Jezrahiah the choir director.” (Nehemiah 12:40-42)

It has been argued that David’s most significant contribution to Israelite worship practices was the formation of professional musical divisions. He organized three music guilds that had the responsibility of composing and directing songs of praise and thanksgiving that were used in Temple celebrations and worship services. In fact, many of the psalms between Psalm 42 and 91 were written by leaders of these guilds.

The book we now call Psalms was started by David and developed and shaped by his music directors and their descendants. It became the Jewish hymnal. An entire chapter of Scripture (1 Chronicles 25) spells out the duties of the musicians. Four thousand priests were organized into minstrel groups and choirs. These musicians not only sang but also played a variety of musical instruments. In Hebrew worship singing was not only done by an individual or the entire congregation but often by choirs.

The apostle Paul speaks of the early church singing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” exhorting Christians to make music to the Lord “in your hearts” (Ephesians 5:19). Whether it’s the “joyous shout” of Psalm 95:1 that might be accompanied by cymbals and drums, or whether it is the “in your hearts” music that Paul describes, we have much to sing about, and the Psalms can help us express our joy. What will you sing about today?

Saints below, with heart and voice,

Still in songs of praise rejoice;

Learning here, by faith and love,

Songs of praise to sing above.

JAMES MONTGOMERY