Did You Know?/How Important was music in ancient Israel?

 MUSIC was the core of ancient Israel's culture. The Bible makes a number of references to both instrumental and vocal music. In fact, about at tenth of the Scriptures are songs, the foremost examples being the books of Psalms, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations. Accordingly, the book Music in Biblical Life says that the Bible "paints a vivid picture of a society in which music was interwoven into other non-musical activities." 

Music in everyday life. The Israelites played music to express their emotions. (Isaiah 30:29) Women played tambourines, singing joyfully and dancing at coronations, festivals, and military victories.  (Judges 11:34; Samuel 18:6, 7; 1 Kings 1:39, 40) Israelites also sang highly emotional dirges while mourning. (2 Chronicles 35:25) Without question "the Hebrews were an eminently musical people," states McClintock and Strong's Cyclopedia.

Music in the royal court. The Kings of Israel found delight in music. King Saul called David to his royal court to serve as a musician. (1 Samuel 16:18, 23) Later when David himself became king, he invented musical instruments, composed delightful sons, and organized the orchestra that played at Jehovah's temple. (2 Chronicles 7:6; Amos 6:5) King Solomon had male and female singers in his court.

Next time: Do You Know? Conclusion

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