Nehemiah 12: 8 "The
Levites....who were in
charge of the songs of
thanksgiving..."
Once the walls and temple
were rebuilt, there was a
Day designated for
celebration and
thanksgiving.
Throughout this chapter
there are multiple
references to singing,
singers, musical
instruments, and choirs.
So much so that "the joy of
Jerusalem was heard
from afar!" (v. 43) In the
process of rebuilding the
city and restoring worship,
the musical component was a
major factor. There
were different designations
for the various forms of
worship and kinds of music.
Certain Levites had the
responsibility to sing songs
of thanksgiving. These
songs are not identified but
certainly the Psalter was a
great resource. And no
doubt, there were those who
were composing new songs of
thanksgiving to God that
reflected the current day
and time for the nation.
Music is and should be
an important element in our
worship. It is another way
to express our love for God
and surrender our life to
God--through the expression
of music, melody, and
beautiful sound. Music
should never be a substitute
for the Word in worship, but
neither should it be
replaced or ignored as
unimportant. Music is a way
for the gathered to declare
their faith in unity and in
harmony. Indeed, music
should be such that it
unifies the gathered to
focus our passion, emotions,
and will upon God and
declare our gratitude and
praise unto Him. It is
possible for us to
overemphasize the musical
aspects of worship, but it
is also possible to
underestimate its importance
and necessity in our
worship. Historically,
the Music of the church has
been integral and a
significantly powerful
aspect of our worship.
Christianity's music is so
different from all other
world religions. May
our music be such that our
joy will be heard from afar,
spreading throughout the
communities where we live
and serve. Often in
our services it is obvious
that we love music,
but when we gather, may it
be evident through our music
that we love God!