MUSIC and WORSHIP

Music I.References II.Technical Development A. Musicology B. Beauty C. Physiology of Music III.Biblical Development A. Directive/Descriptive/Principle B. Textual Exposition IV.Sacred Music—Hymnology A. Standards B. History V.FAQs VI.Summary/Conclusion

Biblical Examination of Music I.Those Who Sing II.Foundational Text A. Qualifications of Those Who Sing B. Purposes of Music C. Qualities of Music III.Sing a “New” Song VI.Summary/Conclusion

Why Do We Sing? It's Commanded Exalt God Edify/Educate in Truth Emotional Encouragement and Comfort/ Spiritual Refreshment Evangelize Sanctify the Emotions

Biblical Examination of Music I.Those Who Sing II.Foundational Text A. Qualifications of Those Who Sing B. Purposes of Music C. Qualities of Music III.Sing a “New” Song VI.Summary/Conclusion

Biblical Examination of Music I.Those Who Sing II.Foundational Text A. Qualifications of Those Who Sing B. Purposes of Music C. Qualities of Music 1. General 2.Instrumentation III.Sing a “New” Song VI.Summary/Conclusion

Biblical Examination of Music I.Those Who Sing II.Foundational Text A. Qualifications of Those Who Sing B. Purposes of Music C. Qualities of Music 1. General 2.Instrumentation III.Sing a “New” Song VI.Summary/Conclusion

Instruments Harp Lute (Lyre [NASB], Psaltery [KJV] ) TrumpetTimbrelFlute Stringed Instruments Cymbals

LuteAncient Modern Ancient (Lyre) David McCorklemusicofthebible.com “Unlike its modern cousin, the guitar, the Hebrew lyre employed some real 'old-school' technology. By 'old school' technology I am referring to some of the basic principles discussed in the Pythagorean theories.”

Psaltery

Timbrel

Cymbals

musicofthebible.com The Melodic Cymbals of the Levite Singers Of all the three instruments classified in the Hebrew texts as an "instrument of song," probably the least recognized and understood are the cymbals utilized by the Levite singers. It is very easy when reading the various English translations to assume that when the word cymbal is used, the texts are speaking of one particular type of instrument. The fact is however, there are two very specific and distinct types of cymbals mentioned in the Hebrew texts - one type that was used by the Levites singers and one associated with the common people... When most people think of a cymbal, they may reference in their mind's eye the large, thin instruments that are used in marching band, concert band, and are found in various forms on modern drum-kits. These types of cymbals; referred to in various settings as crash cymbals, hand cymbals, ride cymbals, hi-hat cymbals, etc. are fundamentally contemporary instruments, not ancient ones.

musicofthebible.com The Melodic Cymbals of the Levite Singers In contrast to these very large and thin types of cymbals, the cymbals of the Biblical time periods were substantially smaller and thicker by comparison. From the artifacts that have been excavated in the Palestine area, we are told that there are two basic types of bronze cymbals that ranged in size from approximately 1.125" to 2.325" (3-6 cm) for the smaller cymbal to 3.125" to 4.75" (8-12 cm) for the larger variety that have been excavated. 1 1 Joachim Braun, Music in Ancient Israel/Palestine, William B. Eerdsman Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan/Cambridge, U.K., page 109).

musicofthebible.com The Melodic Cymbals of the Levite Singers Another instrument of this period that utilized these smaller types of cymbals were the cymbal clappers. Individually mounted on flexible prongs and a handle (Job 41:7), the player would rapidly shake the instrument causing the two cymbal plates to concussively strike each other creating the pulsating rhythmic pattern that is most likely being referred to in the second part of Psalm 150:5 (with cymbals of teruah - ba-tsel-tsa-la' ta-ru-ä' ). In contrast to these non-musical, concussive, rhythm instruments that utilized the smaller of the ancient cymbal types, the larger variety of ancient cymbals had the unique characteristic of being able to produce a defined, musical tone. We get our first clue regarding this type of cymbal from the first part of Psalm 150:5 we spoke of earlier. In the Greek Septuagint translation of this particular verse, the translator picked up on a very subtle, yet important aspect when he chose to translate the Hebrew [phrase cymbals of shä-mä'] ba-tsel-tsa-la' shä-ma' as melodic or melodious cymbals.

musicofthebible.com The Melodic Cymbals of the Levite Singers Assuming this premise is correct, the two types of cymbals referenced in the Hebrew texts are: finger cymbals or cymbal clappers The smaller variety of ancient cymbals produce a high-pitched tinkle much like our contemporary finger cymbals. - 2 Samuel 6:5, Psalm 150:5 melodic cymbals, tuned cymbals The larger variety of ancient cymbals produce a clear, ringing, defined tone and pitch. With the exception of Psalm 150:5..., all other references below relate exclusively to the cymbals of the Levite singers 1 Chronicles 13:8, 15:16, 15:19, 15:28, 16:5, 16:42, 25:1, 25:6; 2 Chronicles 5:12, 5:13, 29:25, Ezra 3:10; Nehemiah 12:17; Psalm 150:5... (total 14 occurrences)

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