This month our Old Testament reading is covering the Psalms. So -- yes, we're in the "poetry" section of the Bible these couple of months.
In some respect, the Psalms represent one of my favorite aspects of the Gospel -- music. I know, I'm biased, being such a musical guy, but the Bible seems to be clear on this topic. We are encouraged to sing -- and not just nice and pretty soft music, but also praiseful music as well. It is all considered to be sacred, connecting us with God and the angels. And if you sing well enough, the angels will even join in -- something I've experienced at least once in my life.
David's strength was music. In his humble beginnings, Saul, the King, took David into his court (somehow oblivious to the fact that David had already been anointed to be king, himself). Whenever Saul was troubled, David would play his harp and sooth Saul's soul.
Music can be very powerful!
I often wonder how David's singing sounded. I'm certain the scales are different from what we use today -- but would it sooth our souls? Or would one have to be already accustomed to that kind of music. As a musician -- I would love to hear a live recording, but alas -- all we have are the lyrics.
As far we know, it could have sounded something like this ...
So, what do the Psalms teach us about music?
I will ... sing praise to the Lord most high. (Ps. 7:17)
Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. (Ps. 33:2-3)
Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery. Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day. (Ps. 81:1-3)
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King. (Ps. 98:4-6)
Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. (Ps. 148:2)
... and so on. Music is very important in our quest to converse with God.
So, don't be afraid. Sing, praise, and enjoy.
