Certain words spring to mind when we examine what the Bible has to say about singing:
1. SCRIPTURAL
1 Chronicles 15:16 "And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy."
One of the blessings of the Protestant Reformation was the restoration of congregational singing.
2. NOCTURNAL
1 Chronicles 9:33 "And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night."
There was singing in God’s house during the night as well as the day. 24 hour praise. The LORD deserves to be praised at all times.
3. RURAL
1 Chronicles 16:33 "Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth."
Isaiah 55:12 "For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."
Shall nature sing and we blood-washed sinners not?
4. BENEFICIAL
2 Chronicles 20:21 "And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten."
Singing is good for you spiritually. Martin Luther used to say that singing hymns annoyed the devil.
Singing is good for you physically & psychologically.
"The health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological. Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being. Psychological benefits are also evident when people sing together as well as alone because of the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour" (Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London).
5. ETERNAL
Heaven is a place of singing. Psalm 87:7 "As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there."
Will you be in that great choir?
I heard the angels sing "Glory Hallelujah!"
A mighty chorus way up high;
I heard the angels sing "Praise the name of Jesus!"
Singing in God’s choir in the sky.
I heard a thousand trumpets sounding out His Glory,
telling the story how he came to earth to die;
I heard a million voices praise the name of Jesus,
Singing in God’s choir in the sky.
