Music And Sin: What Does The Bible Really Say?

Music is an integral part of every society, and the Bible has a lot to say about it. The longest book in the Bible is a songbook—Psalms, which accounts for over 7% of the Old Testament. The Bible also includes other song- and poetry-focused books such as Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes. The Bible mentions the use of music in worship and celebrations, and also as a tool of communication and expression. While there is no restriction on the type of instruments or musical style to be used, the Bible emphasizes the importance of music that glorifies God and aligns with His principles of honor, purity, and praise.

Music as a form of worship

Music is a gift from God and is inherently linked to worship in the Bible. The Bible says that the people of God sing, and singing is considered one of the essential ministries of the church.

The Bible gives many examples of music being used in worship. After the Israelites escaped from the Egyptians and crossed the Red Sea, they sang a song to the Lord (Exodus 15). Singing was also part of Israel's formal worship in the tabernacle and temple (1 Chronicles 6:31-32, 16:42). The Psalms are poems of worship, employed in every period of the life of both ancient Israel and the church and regarded as indispensable. The Apostle Paul instructed the Colossians to "teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God" (Colossians 3:16).

Music and song continue to play a vital role in the life of God's people today. The emotional power of music can evoke powerful emotions, stir hearts, and aid in worship. Music is a communication tool and a way of approaching the mystery of God and expressing the joy of being in His presence.

While the Bible does not restrict believers to only listening to Christian music, it is important to be cautious of secular music that promotes things that God hates or that negatively influence the mind. Philippians 4:8 gives an important biblical principle, instructing believers to dwell on what is honorable, right, and pure.

Secular music and its influence

Secular music, also known as non-religious music, is music that is not associated with any particular religious or spiritual beliefs. It is created and enjoyed by individuals and communities for entertainment, artistic expression, and cultural celebration. Secular music covers a wide range of musical genres and styles, including pop, rock, jazz, and hip-hop. It is an integral part of our everyday lives, shaping our experiences and reflecting the diverse cultures and societies we live in.

One of the key characteristics of secular music is its ability to evoke emotions and tell stories. Through melodies, rhythms, and lyrics, secular music can stir up feelings of joy, sadness, nostalgia, or excitement within the listener. It captures the essence of life's joys, sorrows, and everything in between. Secular music has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people from different backgrounds through a shared appreciation for its melodies, rhythms, and lyrics.

Secular music has a rich historical significance, dating back to the medieval period. It has evolved and adapted over time, reflecting the social, political, and cultural movements of each era. In the medieval period, secular songs were often performed by troubadours and minstrels, captivating audiences with their melodic storytelling. The Renaissance era saw composers such as Thomas Morley, John Dowland, and Claudio Monteverdi craft intricate vocal compositions that showcased the beauty of the human voice. The Baroque era witnessed the emergence of operas and oratorios, combining music, drama, and storytelling.

The 20th century saw the rise of popular forms of secular music, with genres such as jazz, blues, rock and roll, and pop music gaining popularity and shaping the cultural landscape worldwide. Artists like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Madonna became global icons, using their music to express emotions, connect with listeners, and inspire social change.

Secular music has a profound impact on society. It shapes identities, challenges norms, and fosters a sense of belonging. It allows individuals to express their individuality and connect with others who share similar tastes and experiences. Secular music has been used as a platform for social commentary and critique, addressing issues such as inequality, political unrest, and social injustice. It has sparked conversations and inspired action, playing a pivotal role in social and political movements.

The influence of secular music cannot be underestimated. It has shaped cultures, provided a platform for creative expression and cultural diversity, and brought joy and entertainment to countless people. Secular music continues to play a vital role in our lives, reflecting the ever-changing world we live in.

Music in the Old Testament

Music was an integral part of the Hebrew culture, and the Old Testament reveals how devoted God's ancient people were to the study and practice of music. The first reference to a musician in the Bible is in Genesis 4:21, where Jubal, a descendant of Cain, is recorded as "the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe."

Music was used in conjunction with all manner of activities, including joyous occasions, such as sending away or greeting loved ones, and military victories. It was also used to soothe the troubled in mind, as David did for King Saul, and to express love to one's lover.

The first mention of music after the deluge is in the book of Genesis, where Laban asks Jacob why he fled secretly and suggests that he would have sent him away with mirth, songs, a tabret, and a harp. This indicates that music played an important part in the festivities of the home and was likely preserved by Noah and his family during the flood.

In the Exodus, after the people of Israel had escaped from Egypt to the opposite shores of the Red Sea, Moses and the people sang a victory song. The voices of thousands, singing this song of praise to Jehovah, must have been glorious. Miriam, the sister of Moses, celebrated with the women of the camp, using timbrels and dances.

Singing was also used for instructive purposes and to admonish the people of God. For example, Joshua used trumpets to bring down the walls of Jericho. Deborah and Barak celebrated their victory in war with songs in the time of the Judges. Jephthah's daughter used instruments of music to run to greet her father.

David, who played the harp, often played to comfort King Saul when he was troubled with evil spirits. David was also a poet and songwriter, credited with writing about half of the 150 songs in the Book of Psalms. He was the official musician in Saul's court and, during his reign, he organized the Levitical musicians.

The longest book in the Bible is its songbook, Psalms, which accounts for over 7% of the Old Testament. Other song- and poetry-focused books in the Old Testament include the Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, and others.

Musical instruments played a big role in Old Testament worship. The Bible mentions various instruments used, including the harp, lyre, trumpet, horn, pipe, cymbals, tambourine, and more.

The health and vitality of music and song in Israel were an indication of the nation's spiritual condition. The silence of musical instruments and the fading away of joyful song were symptoms that God had removed his favour and brought judgment. On the other hand, a sure sign of spiritual revival and reformation was the restoration of Davidic worship, when musical instruments would come to life again, and voices of joy and gladness would be heard.

The Book of Psalms is full of exhortations to praise God with the sound of instruments and song. For example, Psalm 150 says:

> "Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."

Music in the New Testament

Music is a powerful part of life and features heavily in the Bible, with the longest book in the Bible, Psalms, being a songbook. The Bible also mentions other songs, such as the Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes.

The New Testament mentions the use of music in several contexts, including celebration and mourning. In Luke 15:25, music is played at the celebration for the Prodigal Son's return, and in Matthew 9:23, flutes are played at Jairus' daughter's wake.

The New Testament also mentions the use of music in worship, although the specific instruments used are not always clear. In Revelation 5:6, harps are played by the 24 elders before God's throne, and in Revelation 15:2, harps are played by the tribulation saints. Trumpets are also mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of end-time events, such as the rapture and the Second Coming of Jesus.

The Bible provides instructions for singing in worship, with passages like Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 encouraging believers to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to praise and exalt God. In the New Testament, there are only two descriptions of people actually singing: Jesus and the disciples at the end of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30) and Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail (Acts 16:25).

While the New Testament does not provide a comprehensive list of instruments used in worship, it is clear that music played an important role in the early church and was used to praise and glorify God.

Music as a communication tool

Music is a powerful tool that has been used throughout history to connect with people of all cultures and languages. It is a form of art that allows us to express our experiences, hopes, dreams, passions, and desires when words fail us.

The Bible recognises music as a form of communication and a means to worship and glorify God. It is mentioned in the Bible that music can be used to tell of God's great deeds, offer outlets for both lament and praise, and provide unity among his people.

The Bible also mentions the use of music in conjunction with various activities, such as celebrations, mourning, and feasts. Music is seen as a way to connect with God and express our gratitude and worship. In the Bible, God's people are encouraged to use music as a tool for teaching theology and gaining a deeper understanding of God's story.

Music is also described as a spiritual discipline, helping God's people to remember who He is and what He has done. It is a way to unite people and create a sense of community, as seen in the example of the angels "shouting for joy" and "singing together" in unison when they first saw the earth's foundations laid (Job 38:7).

Additionally, music is mentioned as a tool for relaxation and calming emotions. For example, in I Samuel 16, the young David is described as a skilled harp player who refreshed and soothed King Saul with his music during demonic attacks (1 Samuel 16:14–23).

The Bible provides guidelines for the type of music that aligns with God's principles. It is important to listen to music that is honourable, right, and pure, avoiding music with explicit, evil, or corrupt lyrics.

Overall, music is a powerful tool that can be used to glorify God, teach theology, and connect with others. It is a gift from God that can bring joy, comfort, and unity to His people.

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