Music has been an important part of worship and praise since biblical times. The Bible contains many references to music and musical instruments, and even includes some specific musical directions and terms. Here is an overview of some of the key musical terms found in the Bible and what they signify:
Harp
The harp is one of the most frequently mentioned instruments in the Bible. Harps were string instruments, similar to modern acoustic guitars but larger and without a soundbox. Harps are referred to in contexts of praise, prophecy, and lament. For example:
“It came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” (1 Samuel 16:23)
“Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.” (Psalm 150:3)
The soothing, melodic tones of the harp made it an instrument associated with David in particular (1 Samuel 16:14-23). The harp represented praise and prophesying under the anointing of God.
Trumpet
Trumpets in the Bible were usually made of rams’ horns or silver. They were used for signaling, warning, gathering people, celebrations, worship, and military purposes. For example:
“Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.” (Numbers 10:2)
“With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.” (Psalm 98:6)
“Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.” (Psalm 150:3)
The bold, brassy tones of trumpets marked special occasions and called people to attention. Trumpet blasts were associated with the voice of God and His authority.
Cymbals
Cymbals were percussion instruments used to mark key moments in worship and punctuation in music. They are mentioned along with other instruments of praise. For example:
“Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.” (Psalm 150:5)
“And four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Revelation 5:8-9)
The clashing cymbals added excitement and emphasis to praise music.
Timbrel
The timbrel or tambourine was a small hand-held percussion instrument like a modern tambourine but without the metal jingles. It was associated with dance and celebration. For example:
“And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.” (Exodus 15:20)
“Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” (Psalm 150:5-6)
The timbrel’s rhythmic shaking and beating infused music with joy and movement.
Psaltery
The psaltery was a stringed instrument, probably similar to a zither – a hollow wooden soundbox with strings stretched across it. It was used to make melody in worship music. For example:
“Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.” (Psalm 33:2)
“Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.” (Psalm 150:3)
The rich tones of the psaltery enhanced the musicality of praise songs.
Loud/High-Sounding Cymbals
The Bible makes a distinction between loud or high-sounding cymbals. This may refer to the different pitches and timbres of cymbal types. Loud cymbals in worship music were probably large cymbals that crash and resound. High-sounding cymbals may have been smaller hand-held cymbals with a brighter, higher-pitched tone. For example:
“Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.” (Psalm 150:5)
The different cymbals added layers, texture and interest to the percussion accompaniment.
Dance
Dance was intrinsically connected to music in biblical praise. Dance expressed joy and celebration in God. For example:
“Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.” (2 Samuel 6:14-15)
“Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.” (Psalm 149:1-3)
Dance was the natural physical response to praise music, integrating movement and expression.
Lifting Hands
Lifting up hands while singing praise is mentioned in the Psalms as a gesture of surrender, submission and exaltation to God:
“Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.” (Psalm 63:4)
“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2)
“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.” (Psalm 134:2)
Raising hands instinctively expresses praise and an opening up of one’s self to God.
High Sound/Loud Voice
Singing and praising God with a high sound and loud voice communicates joy and enthusiasm:
“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” (Psalm 95:1-2)
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” (Psalm 98:4)
Singing loudly to the Lord was associated with boldness, excitement and thanksgiving.
New Song
Singing a “new song” to God is mentioned frequently in the Psalms. This refers to writing fresh songs as expressions of praise to God for His ever-renewing blessings and miracles:
“He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:3)
“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:1)
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Revelation 5:9)
New songs characterize an ongoing, dynamic relationship with an ever-creative God.
Selah
The word “selah” appears 71 times in the book of Psalms, but its exact meaning is unknown. It may have served as a musical direction similar to a rest, signaling a pause or instrumental interlude:
“I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, that he may hear me…at the sound of your torrents; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the Lord commands his loyal love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I will say to God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me?…Why must I walk about mournfully because of the enemy’s oppression?” As with a deadly wound in my body, my adversaries taunt me…Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar…Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I say to God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I walk mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me continually, “Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.” (Psalm 42: 1-11)
Scholars believe selah may have been an instruction to pause and reflect on the lyrics and message of the psalm.
Higgaion Selah
The combination “higgaion selah” occurs once in the Bible, in Psalm 9:16:
“The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion Selah”
It indicates a pause for reflection on God’s intervention and justice. “Higgaion” means meditation or solemn sound.
Neginah
This Hebrew word meaning “stringed instrument” occurs 6 times in the book of Psalms:
“And it shall be, when thou art come thither to the brook of Elah, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy.” (1 Samuel 10:5)
It indicates that the psalm is to be accompanied by stringed instruments. The soothing tones complemented meditation on the lyrics.
Nehiloth
This musical term occurs in the title of Psalm 5:
“To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.”
It may refer to a flute-like instrument, or to a style of psalm to be chanted/recited – derived from “nehiylah” meaning to bore or perforate, referring to the flute’s perforated construction allowing different notes.
Alamoth
Alamoth occurs in the title of Psalm 46:
“To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.”
It may indicate a song for soprano voices, from the Hebrew “alam” meaning “young woman.” High priestly voices were associated with joyful praise.
Sheminith
This obscure term occurs in the titles of Psalms 6 and 12:
Psalm 6: “To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to The Sheminith. A Psalm of David.”
Psalm 12: “To the choirmaster: according to The Sheminith. A Psalm of David.”
Its meaning is uncertain but is connected to music in worship, possibly related to an eight-stringed lyre.
Maskil
This is found in over a dozen psalm titles, such as:
“A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite.” (Psalm 88:1)
It may mean a contemplative or instructive psalm, from the root meaning “to be prudent.”
Michtam
This occurs in the titles of Psalms 16 and 56 – 59:
“A Miktam of David.”
Its meaning is uncertain, but indicates a particular type of psalm, perhaps based on the content or tune.
In summary, the many musical terms in the book of Psalms give us a glimpse into the rich musical heritage of biblical worship. The mention of specific instruments, vocal styles, and directions like selah convey how intricately music and song were integrated into praising God in Old and New Testament times. Understanding these terms helps illuminate the scriptures and their original context for modern readers. Most importantly, God’s people are continually called to sing “a new song” to Him – engaging creatively with the Word through varied musical expressions of praise for each new age and generation.