“The number
of them (Musicians), with their brethren who were trained in singing to the
Lord, all who were skillful, was two hundred
and eighty- eight.” (v.7)
This chapter
deals with the musicians, those who were skilled or gifted in music and prophesy.
These musicians were divided into twenty-four companies, with twelve in each compamy,
totaling two hundred and eighty eight who served in the temple (v.7). Once
again we see that lots were casted to determine order of service (v.8), which
is specificly laid out in verses 8-31.We find two purposes for these musicians
in our text; 1) “to prophesy with harps” and 2) “to give thanks and direct
praise to God” (v.3).
Although we
seldom see prophesy being fulfilled through music in the church today, this
doesn’t mean it can’t be. Prophedic songs can be given by the Spirit and should
be sought by all musicians in prayer to God, who gives us eyes to see His good
and perfect will.
Praise and
thanksgiving on the other hand, are still alive and well within the music
ministry of the church today. This long and blessed task of bring the congregation
into a Holy reverence of a Holy God is an awesome responsibility, and one that
must be balanced in so many ways. Bringing a congregation into a spirit of thankfulness
and praise by putting the focus on God and not on one’s self, should be the
task of all who minister in music.
The Truth
“Praise
the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of
the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.” (Paslm
134:1-2)
