“He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” - Psalms 40:3
We often see various instances in the Bible that talks about music. It is a unique talent with a lot of purposes. The below points in short gives us a basic idea of what God expects out of music and how important it is for mankind.
1. Law of God
The psalmist clearly mentions that shouting for joy and playing pleasant music is a LAW and ORDER to be followed as per Yahweh’s instruction.
Reference: Psalms 81
2. Medium to express emotions to God
Music was an integral part of Israelites. They sang psalms to portray their devotion to the Lord. Furthermore, the psalmist clearly mentions EVERYONE to sing and praise God with instruments.
Reference: Psalms 150: 3-5
3. Entrance to the Kingdom of God
Music and praise goes hand in hand with music being another form of praise. God welcomes everyone to enter His Kingdom with MUSIC, praise and thanksgiving as heaven is filled with angelic music.
Reference: Psalms 100:1-4
4. Helps in prophecy
Interestingly, divine music has the power to help in prophesying the future as it helps Holy Spirit to fill the person who prophesies. The best example to relate is the story of Elisha who was FILLED with the Spirit from the song played by the musician that led her to prophesy.
Reference: 2 Kings 3: 13-19
5. Helps in healing and deliverance
Since the power of the Spirit flows through singing, it leads to healing and deliverance. David played music whenever Saul was disturbed by the evil spirit. He used to FEEL BETTER after listening to David’s harp.
Reference: 1 Samuel 16: 14-16
6. Breaks bondages of oneself and the other
Music played for God helps to break the musician’s bondage of sin and of the listeners. Music breaks all chains. When Paul and Silas were singing hymns to God, ALL the doors and chains fell off from the prisoners who were listening to them.
Reference: Acts 16:25
7. Type of offering
Music is considered as an OFFERING presented to God along with our personal intentions. It is a very powerful prayer which is equivalent to praying twice.
Reference: Psalms 61:8
8. Dwelling in the Word of God
Psalms, hymns and sacred songs helps to root the message of Christ in our hearts with ALL its RICHNESS. For this, Holy Spirit prompts us to greet each other with divine music.
Reference: Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19
9. Medium portraying the power of God
There are various instances where music brought the presence of God EVIDENT amidst the people. One example is of the fall of Jericho wall due to the trumpets played, another one being the cloud overshadowing the sky with the dazzling light of God’s presence when the music was being played.
Reference: Joshua 6:20, 2 Chronicles 12