Music That Pleases God

Music That Displeases God

Not all music mentioned in the Bible pleased God. Consider the incident that occurred at Mount Sinai, where Moses was receiving the Law, including the Ten Commandments. When Moses descended the mountain, what did he hear? "Not the sound of the singing over mighty performances," "not the sound of the singing of defeat," but "the sound of other singing." This was music associated with idolatry, a practice that evoked God's displeasure and resulted in the death of about 3,000 of those music makers. -Exodus 32:18, 25-28.

Although humans can compose, play and enjoy all manner of music, it does not follow that all of it pleases God? Why not? The Christian apostle Paul explains: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Pagan fertility rites, the doctrine of the immorality of the human soul, and the veneration of Mary as "mother of God" are often featured as themes of musical compositions. Yet, these beliefs and practices dishonor the God of truth, for they are contrary to what is revealed in his inspired Word, the Bible. -Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Ezekiel 18:4; Luke 1:35, 38.

Next time: Making A Wise Choice of Music

Watchtower,2000