The Service of Song

“These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord after the ark rested there. They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting until Solomon built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they performed their service according to their order. These are the men and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer the son of Joel,..  and his brother Asaph, who stood on his right hand, namely, Asaph the son of Berechiah,.. son of Levi.  On the left hand were their brothers.” 1 Chronicles 6:31-33,39,43-44

“The Mighty One, God the Lord,
    speaks and summons the earth
    from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
    God shines forth.

Our God comes; he does not keep silence;
    before him is a devouring fire,
    around him a mighty tempest.
He calls to the heavens above
    and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
‘Gather to me my faithful ones,
    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!’
The heavens declare his righteousness,
    for God himself is judge!..
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
    and perform your vows to the Most High,
and call upon me in the day of trouble;
    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:1-6,14-15

“I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:23-28

Establishing orderly worship of God included the ministry of music. David understood that the very presence of God, represented in the ark, was worthy of praise, so he instituted the vital role of the service of song for God’s appointed priests. The Lord had put many psalms in his own heart, and perhaps he knew Asaph well enough to recognize a similar gifting and passion in him? This Levite would lead Israel with words to music that reminded them of God’s many attributes, enjoining hearts in praise and implanting true truths that would keep them forever. God the Mighty One was a glorious and righteous judge, deserving of thanks and continually faithful.

The discipline of worship in our lives is enhanced by song. Reciting God’s greatness and worth in memorable melody implants praise in us, builds up others, and magnifies Him. The Lord is served and honored by our joyful noise. (Ephesians 5:19-20)

Are we singing, or griping? What part or priority does the service of song have in our day to day? Have we allowed unsolvable concerns, cattiness, busyness, or self-focus to steal our joy and fill thought and mouth with fretting? Would we set these aside and begin singing scripture’s songs? Lofty music reorients heart and mind, and delights the Lord. (Psalm 77:11-20; 96:1-4; Revelation 4:11; 5:12-14)

Lord, may I ever sing aloud to You, raising a daily song of the wonder, blessing, praise, and glory You deserve. (Psalm 81:1-3)