The Musician
May 8, 2012 (Tuesday)
David in the Bible is introduced to us as a musician in 1 Samuel 16:14-23. He played the lyre (harp) and sang. When King Saul was having one of his episodes of madness, he asked for help. His attendants suggested someone to come to play and sing for him to help him feel better. So Saul said, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” It so happened that one of his attendants knew all about David and highly recommended him, so Saul sent for him. When the king met the young man, he liked him very much and gave orders for him to remain in his service as his armor-bearer. Whenever the need arose, David played and sang for the king, and he would feel better. David’s musical interests and talents extended to much more than private concerts for Saul. Much of the interest in worship music today is traceable to his groundbreaking actions in its behalf.
“In various biblical passages, David is referred to as ‘the favorite of the songs of Israel,’ the one who soothed Saul with music, and the founder of Temple singing. A Psalms scroll from the Dead Sea Scrolls attributes 3600 tehilim (songs of praise) plus other compositions to David. Seventy-three of the 150 Psalms in the Bible are attributed to David. The supreme kingship of Yahweh is the most pervasive theological concept in the book of Psalms, and many psalms attributed to David are directed to Yahweh by name, whether in praise or petition, suggesting a relationship. According to the Midrash Tehillim, King David was prompted to the Psalms by the Holy Spirit that rested upon him.” (–Wikipedia)
Music has been an integral part of the worship services of Christians from New Testament times, and the worship conducted by Israel set the precedent. Today it takes many forms, and all of them are very meaningful to the participants. How thankful we are for music in its many manifestations that draws us near to God in worship. As we thank the Lord for the music that thrills our souls, let’s also breathe a prayer of thanks for King David, who set the pace for all who followed, including us.