Music is an integral part of human expression and worship. The Bible has a lot to say about music and provides guidance for Christians on how to approach this important part of life.
Music as Worship and Praise to God
The primary purpose of music in the Bible is to worship and praise God. The book of Psalms contains many songs and poems that were used in worshipping God in the temple. For example, Psalm 150 urges, “Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!” (Psalm 150:1-2). Music allowed the people of Israel to glorify and thank God for who He is and what He has done.
In the New Testament, we see music continuing to be an integral part of worship. Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn together at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30). Paul instructs the Ephesians and Colossians to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” as they gather together (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). The book of Revelation also shows heavenly creatures worshipping God through music (Revelation 5:9).
So the primary purpose of music in Scripture is to praise and thank God. Christians today follow this biblical model when they sing worship songs and hymns in church services. Music allows us to corporately express our awe at God’s greatness and gratitude for his work in our lives.
Instruments Used in Biblical Music
Many different instruments are mentioned throughout the Bible as being used to create music for worship and praise. Some of the most frequently named instruments include:
- Harp – 1 Samuel 16:23, Psalm 33:2
- Lyre – 1 Samuel 10:5, Psalm 57:8
- Cymbals – 1 Chronicles 16:5, Psalm 150:5
- Trumpet – Numbers 10:2, Psalm 98:6
- Flute – Psalm 150:4
- Tambourine – Psalm 81:2
Other instruments like the horn (Joshua 6:4), timbrel (Psalm 81:2), and pipe (1 Samuel 10:5) are also mentioned periodically. The book of Psalms encourages worshippers to “praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!” (Psalm 150:3-4). Music in the Bible involved a rich diversity of instruments.
In the New Testament, we see instruments like the harp being played in heaven as a part of worship (Revelation 14:2). So while instruments are not specifically commanded for Christian worship, they do have a biblical precedent for enhancing musical praise to God.
Singing Songs of Deliverance
Music in Scripture was sometimes used to celebrate God’s acts of deliverance on behalf of his people. For instance, after God safely led the Israelites across the Red Sea and drowned the Egyptian army, Moses and Miriam led the people in a song praising God for saving them from the Egyptians (Exodus 15:1-21). Deborah and Barak sang a song after their military victory over the Canaanites (Judges 5:1-31). And the psalm writers frequently recounted how God had delivered them from distress in poetic musical form.
Christians can follow this example by singing songs that testify to how God has worked in their lives. Hymns of personal testimony that celebrate salvation, healing, provision, and other acts of God’s deliverance allow us to share what great things He has done. Just as the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea, we can sing after experiencing God’s miracles.
Music’s Power to Teach and Admonish
The biblical writers recognized the incredible power of music to instruct people and impact their hearts. The book of Deuteronomy commands parents to teach the words of God to their children by “talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 11:19). The biblical psalms were used this way – to meditate on and memorize the truths of Scripture through song.
Paul picks up on music’s teaching power when he instructs the Colossians to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” as a way to “teach and admonish one another” (Colossians 3:16). By singing biblical truths, we can encourage those around us and fix biblical teaching in our own hearts. This is why it is so important that the lyrics of modern worship songs faithfully reflect Scripture.
Music and Prophecy
Music is sometimes associated with prophecy in the Bible. When Saul met a procession of ecstatic prophets, the biblical writer notes they had musical instruments – prophesying with lyre, tambourine, flute, and harp (1 Samuel 10:5). In 2 Kings 3, Elisha calls for a musician to play so that he can hear from God and prophesy. The worshippers in Revelation sing a prophetic song about future events on earth (Revelation 15:3-4).
While music does not automatically induce prophecy, it does seem linked to prophetic activity at times in Scripture. Music helps create the atmosphere for inspired speech about God. Many charismatic worship services today follow this biblical model of Spirit-led prophetic singing.
Singing Over Justice and Righteousness
The Bible frequently highlights how music can reflect God’s heart for justice and righteousness. Mary’s song in Luke 1 exalts God for opposing the proud and mighty while lifting up the humble and poor (Luke 1:46-55). In Amos, God rejects Israel’s superficial worship songs because of how they mistreat the marginalized in their society (Amos 5:21-24). If our worship music is not accompanied by a commitment to social justice, then it rings hollow according to these passages.
Many of the psalms cry out to God from a place of pain and oppression. Psalm 10 laments how the wicked prosper while they oppress the poor and needy. But it trusts that God sees the injustice and will ultimately act. Through song, the psalm writers could freely express their frustrations to God while clinging to hope in His justice.
Music has power to reflect and proclaim God’s heart for righteousness in society. Songs that emphasize loving neighbor, defending the oppressed, and seeking justice align with the priorities we see in Scripture.
Cautions Regarding Music
While the Bible affirms music as an important way to worship and honor God, it also contains cautions regarding how to approach music.
First, music must come from the right heart motivation. Amos condemned the hollow songs of worship coming from the people of Israel because their daily lives did not reflect God’s values (Amos 5:21-24). More than beautiful sounding music, God wants songs that flow from humble and repentant hearts. “My son, give me your heart,” God says in Proverbs 23:26.
Second, music has great power to influence human behavior and emotion. While music can be used to teach and admonish with biblical truth (Colossians 3:16), it can also teach and admonish in destructive ways. Immoral or ungodly music can corrupt good character according to passages like 1 Corinthians 15:33. Christians should be prudent about what music they allow to shape their hearts and minds.
Third, music can become an idol. Eugene Peterson paraphrases Amos 6:5 in The Message translation as “You sing all the songs you know by heart, and you improvise on those songs. You spend hours playing your harps like David and decorating your bodies with perfume.” This elaborate musical culture had become narcissistic idol worship apart from sincere love for God. Any form of music – contemporary or classical – can potentially become an idol if given undue focus.
The Bible provides wisdom and discernment for thinking about music in a balanced biblical way. Music is a great gift from God that allows humans to connect with Him and each other. But the motives and content of music must be weighed against Scripture to avoid unhelpful extremes.
Music in Heaven
The Bible frequently depicts music as a part of the worship and celebration of heaven. In Revelation, heavenly creatures sing praises to God and the Lamb on his throne (Revelation 5:9). The great multitude in heaven sings the song of Moses and the Lamb (Revelation 15:3). We see harpists playing their harps before the throne of God (Revelation 14:2).
These worship songs are focused on praising God, underscoring his worthiness and splendor. The music of heaven never ceases, as the four living creatures around God’s throne “never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8)! Heaven is a place of endless worship, with music at the very center.
Music is a gift God has given humans now that will continue into eternity. We get a taste of the heavenly worship through the singing of hymns and spiritual songs here on earth. One day, we will join the heavenly choirs, singing praise to God and the Lamb forever.
Guiding Principles from Scripture
In summary, here are some key biblical principles to guide Christians in musical pursuits:
- Music’s primary purpose is the worship and praise of God
- Instruments can enhance worship music as seen in the Psalms
- Singing celebrates God’s acts of deliverance in our lives
- Music teaches biblical truth and admonishes the heart
- Prophetic songs testify to God’s nature and future plans
- God cares about justice and righteousness expressed in music
- Cautions against idolatry, impure hearts, and immoral content
- Heaven is filled with worship music focused on God
By following these biblical guidelines, Christians can faithfully engage a gift that God himself has given – the gift of music. We worship Him through song, finding guidance in the pages of Scripture for how to orient our musical creativity and expression.