Music it is said is the food of the soul. As students if the Bible we are going to delve deep into the scriptures to discover the power of music and musical instruments in Biblical times.
The first mention of musical instruments is found in the book of Genesis chapter 4 verse 21 "The name of his brother was Jubal; he was the first of all who handle the Harp and Flute". The harp is the first string instrument mention in the Bible with the Flute which is the first wind instrument mention in the scriptures. This is the first hint of music in the earliest history of mankind.
When the nation of Israel left Egypt by walking on a dry ground through the Sea of Reeds popularly known as the Red Sea. Prophet Moses the servant of Elohim led Israel to sing and bless the name of Most High in Exodus chapter 15 verse 1 to the 19th verse. Miriam the sister of Moses led the women with a drum in verse 20 to 21 "Miriam the prophetess , sister if Aaron, took the drum in her hand and all the women went forth after with drums and with dances. 21 "Sing to Adonai for He is exalted above arrogant, having hurled horse with it's rider into the sea". In this very chapter of Exodus chapter 15 we see the first mention of drum and drumming in Biblical music.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS AND FESTIVALS
In it's formative state as a nation Elohim Almighty commanded Moses to make two silver trumpets which would be used to sermon the congregation of Israel. There were various degrees of sounds of the trumpet the the people kind of people it signaled to move or be gathered. the whole instructions can be found in Numbers Chapter 10 verses 1 to the 8th verse. In Numbers 10 verse 10 we read "On a day of your gladness, and on your festivals, and on your new moons, you shall sound the trumpets over your burnt-offerings and over your feast peace-offerings; and they shall be a remembrance for you before your Elohim; I am Adonai, your Elohim"
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND MUSIC IN WARFARE
In Numbers 10 verse 9 it reads" When you go to wage war in your land against an enemy who oppresses you, you shall sound short blasts of the trumpets, and you shall be recalled before Adonai, your Elohim, and you shall be saved from your foes."
in the book of Joshua after Israel has crossed the Jordan river the walled city the people of Jericho. the Israelites could not proceed further unless the go through Jericho. The Kind of Jericho was not willing to allow entry of the children of Israel and therefore Israel had to make war with them and here we had the first use of Ram horn as trumpet in warfare. Joshua chapter 6 verse 1 to the 5th verse.
Joshua 6 verse 20 reveals that the blowing of the ram horn trumpet with the victorious cry of the Israelites brought the wall of Jericho tumbling down for Israel to defeat them in that epic battle: verse 20 "The people cried out, and the priest blew the ram horns. It happened when the people heard the sound of the ram horns that the people cried out with a great shout: the wall fell in its place and the people went up to the city each man straight ahead - and they conquered the city"
in the book of Second Chronicles chapter 20, we find that music was used by the the Levites descendants of Asaph and the children of Israel to cause Elohim Almighty to set confusion in the camp of their enemies who fought among themselves leading Israel to win the battle without lifting up a sword or arrow to do battle.
Verse 21 to 22 of second chronicles chapter 20 reads "He conferred with the people, and he set up men to sing to Adonai and men to laud His majestic holiness; as they went out before the front-line troops they said, "Give thanks to Adonai, for his mercy endures forever! 22 As soon as they began their exuberant song and praise, Adonai set up ambushers (angelic warriors) against the children of Ammon, Moab and mount Seir who were attacking Judah, and they were struck down."
MUSIC AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AS A MEANS TO INDUCE PROPHECY
Music was an important tool which was used by the school of the prophets to induces prophecy. It cleared the mind of the prophet from all cares of the world and made him a medium for the divine power to rest on so that the prophet can speak the mind of the Almighty to his children.
In first chronicles chapter 25 verse 1 we read "David and the officers of the service corps set aside the sons of Asaph , Herman and Jeduthun who prophesied while using harps, lyres, and cymbals "
When the prophet Elisha was angry with the king of Israel due to his idolatry and he was consulted on the king's behalf to seek the face of his Elohim regarding and impending war. Elisha the prophet asked for a musical instruments to be brought and this instrument assisted him to induce prophecy and declared the mind of Elohim Almighty to the enquiring King. Second Kings chapter 3 verse 14 and 15 reads, " Elisha said, "As Adonai, Master of Legions, lives, before who I stand, I swear that were it not for the presence of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, whom I respect, I would not look at you nor see you! 15 And now, bring me a musician." It happened that as the musician played , the hand of Adonai came upon him"
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