Bible Verses about Music

Music is a form of worship that allows us to express our praises, love, and gratitude to God. It is used to enhance worship, encourage each other or even as a means to soothe the mind and soul.

Let's take a look at some Bible verses about music, musicians, and musical instruments.

Bible verses about musical instruments

Musical instruments have been used in the Bible to offer praise and show thanks to the Lord for His mighty acts, for saving His people, and giving them victory over their enemies.

1. Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. Exodus 15:20 NKJV

This passage captures an expression of thanksgiving and rejoicing by the children of Israel after they had fled Egypt, escaped Pharaoh, and miraculously crossed the Red Sea.

Miriam and the women played music, danced, and sang. They exclaimed with joy, "Sing to the Lord, For He has triumphed gloriously!..." (Exodus 15:21)

2. Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. 1 Samuel 18:6 NKJV

The tambourine was specifically mentioned as one of the musical instruments used in the celebration after Israel conquered the Philistines.

Singing, dancing, and joy was a part of the festivities. David had slain Goliath-the champion of the Philistines and his name was also included in a song. In verse seven it stated, "So the women sang as they danced, and said: 'Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands'".

3. You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; Daniel 3:10 NKJV

This Bible verse marks the signal that would test the loyalty of the three Hebrew boys to the true and living God. The sign that indicated when the people should bow to the golden image was 'a sound of music'.

Six instruments played a symphony and everyone worshipped the golden image except for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Music is generally used to ascribe worship and praise to God. However in some instances it may come as a test of faith or a device to lure us away from God. Let us stand firm like the three Hebrew boys.

May the Lord fortify us to choose Him even when all odds are against us. We may lose our life or He may choose to 'step in the fire furnace' to save us and exalt His high and holy name.

4. Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps. Nehemiah 12:27 NKJV

The rebuilding of the wall marked a significant point in Israel's history. Their home has been destroyed and they were in captivity for many years but they were resolute in restoring Jerusalem to its former glory.

After they had completed construction, a celebration was planned to dedicate the building. The Levites were tasked with playing the instruments and leading out with the music for this special thanksgiving service.

5. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. ³They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. Revelation 14:2,3 NKJV

The same way the wall of Jerusalem was restored as mentioned in Nehemiah is the same way the Lord will restore this earth with a new Jerusalem.

Those who truly know what it means to experience the salvation of Jesus will burst into glorious singing. According to John's vision, harps will play the accompanying music as the redeemed sing their song before the throne.

Bible verses about Musicians

Special attention was given to the use of music and selecting musicians for the services of God. The verses below look at musicians and music and their importance.

6. Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying:“For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 2 Chronicles 5:13 NKJV

Musicians play a critical role in worship services. This Bible verse points to the fact that the musicians were well coordinated 'as one' with the singers. It was through this musical display that the Spirit of God was summoned and He showed His presence by filling His house with a cloud.

Two points to take away from this verse are:

• we should strive to be in oneness/unison as we worship God
• We should never underestimate the power of music and instruments as tools that may be used to call upon God in our times of need.

Sing and "Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near". (Isaiah 55:6)

7. But now bring me a musician.” Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him. 2 Kings 3:15 NKJV

This is yet another verse where a musician was used to summon and seek the guidance of the Most High.

The kings of Israel, Judah and Edom were on their way to war but had no water for the men or the animals. They decided that they would seek advice from the prophet.

Elisha asked the musician to play before seeking advice from God. When the music began, the hands of the Lord came upon Elisha and he told the Kings what to do in order to get water.

8. Now these are the men whom David appointed over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark came to rest. 1 Chronicles 6:31 NKJV

Musicians were specially appointed for service in the house of the Lord. Music was not a simple accompaniment but an important ministry in the service of God.

When individuals are selected or asked to serve as musicians at a congregation they are being called to be ministers of the Most High. They are to treat this appointment with great respect and humbly serve the Lord as they lead out and direct worship services.

9. Moreover David and the captains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph, of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals. And the number of the skilled men performing their service was: 1 Chronicles 25:1 NKJV

The individuals who were used for the service of music were specially selected. They were separated by David and the captains of the army to fulfill this sacred role.

There is an advantage to having musicians set apart. It allows them to focus on their roles and duties rather than to bear the burden of having multiple responsibilities while also being music ministers.

10. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. Revelation 18:22 NKJV

This scripture describes an end time event and what will happen after Babylon has fallen. All the glory of this great city shall be destroyed. The wealth, commerce, music, and all that represents Babylon will be utterly destroyed.

The destruction of Babylon marks the end of deception, (for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived-verse 23) and a time of celebration for the followers of God. Verse twenty declares, "Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her".

Bible verses about musical talent

The texts below look at how skillful musicians were chosen as ministers in the service of God. Musical talent was also used for other purposes outside of worship.

11. So the number of them, with their brethren who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, all who were skillful, was two hundred and eighty-eight. 1 Chronicles 25:7 NKJV

Israel was blessed with the gift of music to the point where two hundred and eighty eight persons were set aside solely for the purpose of music ministry.

Here we see a combination of skill and training coming together for the development of talent. Sometimes committing to a ministry means we will need to spend time learning and grooming ourselves in order to better serve the Lord and allow Him to fulfill His purpose in and through us.

12. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy. Psalm 33:3 NKJV

This text is a command given by David to rejoice, praise, and use various instruments to worship God. David did not stop there but expected that the music must be skillfully played.

Great skill is required to learn and master the art of playing instruments of music. Practicing, patience, and time has to be dedicated in order to get to a point where one is able to play at the best of his or her abilities.

David expected the best music to be played and this is a lesson we can all learn. Whatever it is that we are giving or doing for the Lord should represent our best.

13. So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.” 1 Samuel 16:17 NKJV

In this passage we see musical talent being used outside the service of God. Saul requested that a talented individual play music for him to soothe his mind and soul. In his request he was very specific in asking for someone who 'plays well'.

14. Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful; 1 Chronicles 15:22

It was important for God's people to offer their best even in worship. This is why people were set aside for playing music.

This text further shows that those who were selected for music ministry had to hone and develop their skills. That is why Chenaniah was the 'choir director' responsible for teaching and admonishing those under his charge.

15. The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; Among them were the maidens playing timbrels. Psalm 68:25 NKJV

Both male and female participants carried out responsibilities related to music and worship. This verse shows how women performed their service by playing timbrels.

There are many instances where the involvement of females were mentioned. They celebrated with sounds of joy and songs of praise after the crossing of the Red Sea. They also paid tribute to David and Saul with gladness of heart after the Philistines were defeated.

Bible verses about music in church

Music helps to enrich worship sessions, ascribe praise to God, and cheer-up followers of Christ on their journey of faith.

Here are some verses that look at the use of music in the church.

16. Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! ³Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Psalm 150:1,3 NKJV

In this passage David is exclaiming that praises should be given to God in His sanctuary with the aid of various instruments.

Psalm 150 focuses on some of the many reasons we should praise God (Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!) while also mentioning instruments that may be used to accompany and enrich worship.

17. All these were under the direction of their father for the music in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the authority of the king. 1 Chronicles 25:6 NKJV

The music that was played in the house of God was not conducted haphazardly. It was well organized with systems in place that governed the musicians, the instruments they played, their instructions (rehearsals), and who oversees them.

Careful organization, planning, coordination, and execution should be put into music for each worship session. This will help to create a level of reverence and awe for each person who takes part in worship services.

18. speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, Ephesians 5:19 NKJV

Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus to include music even in the way they related to each other. Singing and making melodies to the Lord is an excellent way to keep our thoughts and minds fixed on Him.

Music creates an atmosphere of praise and is a great way to drive away feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness.

Hymns and psalms bring hope, relaxes the mind, and conjures feelings of joy in the Lord. This is why Psalm 71:23 states, "My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed”.

19. Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. James 5:13 NKJV

This is a helpful scripture passage that reminds us what to do in certain circumstances. In our sufferings we are encouraged to pray. Prayer gives access to the throne of God as we intercede for others or make special personal requests for our own health.

In our joys we are reminded to sing praises as we express our gratitude for the goodness of God and thank Him for His blessings. Music is a powerful tool that has the ability to buoy us up. That is why Psalm 34:1 declares, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth".

20. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

This is a powerful reminder from the apostle to the early church. He admonishes them to utilize various kinds of music as they worship together in steadfast love.

Hebrews 2:12 states, “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” We too can apply this message as we sing Psalms, encourage each other, and share God's excellent greatness.

Bible stories about musicians

Priests, men of war, and individuals specially selected as music ministers in the service of God all played roles as musicians in the Bible. Let's take a look at some Bible stories where musicians and musical instruments played an important role.

David and King Saul (1 Samuel 18)

After the Lord withdrew His Spirit from Saul an evil spirit troubled him. His servants suggested that he allowed a skilled musician to play music that would soothe him.

Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.” (1 Samuels 16:16)

At Saul's request, the servants suggested David to be the king's musician. One day as David was playing music for Saul the evil spirit told him to hurt David. Saul threw the spear that was in his hand to pin David to the wall but David escaped.

The walls of Jericho (Joshua 6)

In this well known Bible story, the Lord gave Joshua specific instructions on what to do in order to overcome Jericho. The priests were the assigned musicians who marched in front of the ark as they blew trumpets.

In Joshua 6:4 the Lord told Joshua, "And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets".

Rams' horns were the highlighted instruments of war in this story carried by the priests. The blowing of the horns along with a great shout from the people on the seventh day saw the walls of Jericho crumbling to the ground.

Gideon and the trumpeters (Judges 7)

In this story three hundred men accompanied Gideon to fight against the Medianites. These men were selected by God and went to war armed with trumpets, empty pitchers, and torches.

Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers—they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing—and they cried, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” (Judges 7:20)

When the Midianites heard Gideon and his men they became confused, attacked each other, and fled.

Final thoughts on Bible verses about music

Music is an essential part of worship that expresses thanksgiving for God's mighty acts. It cheers us up and it is able to soothe and protect us. I pray that you will use psalms, hymns, and other forms of music to comfort, arm, and shield yourself on your christian journey.