service of song
1 Chronicles 6:31
6:31 service of song. Music had been an important aspect of human life since the beginning, although the first reference to it is in connection with the ungodly line of Cain (Genesis 4:21). However, angels sang at the creation (Job 38:7), and Moses led the children of Israel in a victory song after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:1-21). Deborah and Barak sang after their victory over the Canaanites (Judges 5). It was David, however, who first institutionalized music in the formal worship of God before the tabernacle (I Chronicles 6:32), and music was used later under Solomon at the temple. David himself was a musician, composing most of the psalms. Although there are very few references to songs in the gospels and epistles (Matthew 26:30; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19), singing will play a prominent role in the heavenly congregation when Christ returns (Revelation 4:11; 5:8-14; 15:2-4).
